New limits on forest access and use have been activated in the Alpes-Maritimes, just days after a blanket red alert was imposed on much of the neighbouring Var. Here’s what you need to know.
As of Tuesday 25th July, the forest fire alert system in place for large swathes of forest and hinterland in the Alpes-Maritimes has switched from a “no restrictions” green level to orange and even red for one zone.
Access is not recommended, but also not prohibited, for areas under orange alert. According to the French state-run Risque-Prevention-Incendie website, an orange alert does, however, put a ban on any “work that could cause a fire… except for agricultural, forestry or general interest work from 5am to 1pm with a fire extinguishing device”.
Almost the entire coastal section of Alpes-Maritimes, from the Italian border to Cannes, including Nice and Antibes, is now under orange alert, as well as areas further inland, including Peille, Castellar, Tourrette-Levens, Carros, Vence, Tourrette-sur-Loup, Grasse and Saint-Vallier-de Thiey.
The red zone covers Mandelieu La-Napoule, Pegomas, Auribeau-sur-Siagne and Le Tignet.
The rest of the Alpes-Maritimes, the more mountainous and higher elevation section, is still considered safe for both work and access.
HUMANS CAUSE MOST FIRES
According to official statistics for France, nine out of 10 fires are caused by humans, primarily through careless acts such as throwing away burning cigarette butts, BBQs getting out of control, improperly managing campfires and the like.
The Alpes-Maritimes and the Côte d’Azur in general are amongst the areas most at risk from forest fires, therefore special consideration must be taken when using local woodlands.
The French government has therefore created a special campaign that is available in seven languages, including English, to help visitors and residents do their part to stop more precious woodland from being gobbled up by fire.
To check what the daily access status for the Alpes-Maritimes, click here.
Read more:
Access to forests and massifs in much of the Riviera is barred
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Photo source: Fabian Jones, Unsplash