Post-Wildfire Repairs Begin in Corbières Region

Ribaute, France — Following a devastating wildfire in August, the Aude prefecture has commissioned the National Forestry Office (ONF) to secure forest roads in the Corbières region. A field visit took place recently in Ribaute and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse to assess progress on these restoration operations.

The August fire caused significant damage to natural habitats in the area. Before starting rehabilitation efforts, state authorities prioritized securing access to essential forest roads. These projects, now underway by the ONF, are essential for ensuring access to public infrastructure, agricultural land, and isolated homes. Additionally, the work is critical for enabling rapid intervention by emergency services in the event of further fires.

During the field visit, the Prefect of Aude was joined by the sub-prefect of Narbonne, the mayor of Ribaute, and ONF officials. They inspected the restoration of roads affected by the wildfire. This visit was part of ongoing monitoring by state services since the beginning of reconstruction efforts.

Parallel to the construction, ongoing discussions are taking place among state services, local municipalities, property owners, and residents. This inclusive approach aims to align the reconstruction stages with local needs and specificities. The Prefect reaffirmed the state’s commitment to work alongside local communities in restoring the affected areas sustainably.

Until the end of the year, ONF is focused on securing access to wildfire-affected zones in Corbières. Security works on firefighter defense roads began last week in Ribaute and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse and will continue until December. The ONF is managing the restoration across 70 kilometers of roads out of a total of 232 kilometers. Romain Decup from the ONF explained, “The goal is to secure access to plots and homes and allow fire engines to reach these areas.”

Decup noted that the timing for starting the work was constrained due to the end of the anti-fire campaign in late September. “We conducted an assessment that provided a digital map, aided by hydrologists, to identify areas that needed securing,” he added. The wildfire has made the terrain unstable, raising landslide risks during heavy rain, particularly in the event of severe weather.

The initial phase of the project, entrusted to the ONF, was sanctioned by a prefectural decree. Prefect Alain Bucquet stated, “The current work was commissioned at my request; it is a task of general interest.” He visited the site alongside the sub-prefect Thierry Mailles. ONF agents are collaborating with local mayors in this first phase of the security efforts. Future actions will depend on property ownership, whether state-owned, municipal, or private.

Prefect Bucquet emphasized the importance of collaborating with local authorities to develop a long-term strategy to address the unique challenges of the Mediterranean basin, particularly those related to climate change. The burned areas will also be utilized for timber production, adhering to forest exploitation practices.

While inhabited areas are sparse, the fire threat remains substantial. At the Pech pass near Ribaute, a home was nearly engulfed. The mayor of Ribaute, Alain Coste, recounted the narrow escape of a resident, whose husband was working at the time of the fire. Emergency responders requested fire retardant drops and bravely navigated through flames to rescue the occupant. Mayor Coste expressed urgency for action, noting, “The wood deteriorates over time. We have had numerous meetings and are eager for a plan to be established swiftly.”