Fire vigilance in the Alpes-Maritimes: the Estérel massif remains closed this Saturday, July 19

Vigilance is extended in the Alpes-Maritimes. Already subject to restrictions on Friday, July 18, part of the department remains under close surveillance on Saturday, July 19. Facing a very high fire risk, the Estérel massif remains closed to the public. At the same time, the SDIS 06 continues its commitment providing reinforcement in several departments facing forest fires.

Vigilance continues in the Alpes-Maritimes. After a first day of restrictions on Friday, July 18, measures are extended on Saturday, July 19 due to a still very high fire risk.

The Estérel-Tanneron massif is placed at red risk level, resulting once again in the closure of the entire sector to the public. Access, circulation and work are prohibited throughout the day in this area particularly exposed to forest fires. The rest of the department remains at moderate risk level and is not subject to particular restrictions.

This decision comes in a context of high tensions on the fire front in southern France. Weather conditions, combined with very dry vegetation, favor the rapid spread of fires. Authorities emphasize the importance of respecting prohibitions in order to limit any fire risk.

SDIS 06 mobilized for reinforcement in several departments

Since the beginning of July, the Alpes-Maritimes Department Fire and Rescue Service has been participating in the national solidarity initiative against fires affecting several territories. After initial engagement in Drôme, reinforcements were sent to Pyrénées-Orientales, then to Hérault with the deployment of several detachments, including a reinforcement column.

In a few days, 91 firefighters and 29 vehicles have been mobilized. This organization makes it possible to support the most affected departments while maintaining operational capacity in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes department and president of SDIS 06, praised the commitment of rescue services:

“I wish to express my profound gratitude for the commitment of our firefighters, who are once again present to assist territories severely tested by fires. Their professionalism, courage and sense of duty do honor to the Alpes-Maritimes.

Each deployment in reinforcement demonstrates their ability to mobilize without delay when the situation requires it. This responsiveness, this solidarity and this operational excellence are the strength of SDIS 06 and, more broadly, of our French civil security model.

The Alpes-Maritimes department will continue to invest fully alongside SDIS 06 to provide our firefighters with the means to accomplish their missions, here as everywhere they are called to intervene. I express to them, and to their families, all my support and confidence. Their commitment commands respect and does honor to our territory.”

As fire outbreaks multiply in the south of the country, the extension of restrictions in the Estérel massif illustrates the desire to limit any fire risk. Authorities call on residents and visitors alike to follow instructions in order to preserve natural spaces and facilitate the work of rescue services.