Forest fire warning for Dordogne
The Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) fire brigade warned today (Monday July 27) that there is a high risk of forest fires in the department due to hot temperatures and dry conditions, and called for people to take care not to cause a fire.
Specific guidance given by the brigade are for people not to have barbecues or any fires in areas close to woods or forests, not to smoke in woods, never throw a cigarette stump from the window of a car, nor do any work using tools which might make sparks close to woods.
Homeowners should make sure firewood and other combustible materials such as gas in bottles are stored away from the home.
There has been no significant rainfall in the area for nearly three weeks, and temperatures are expected to rise to at least 29 in the afternoon.
Read more: Hot weather up to 40°C set for France this week
Anyone who sees what they think might be the start of a forest fire should contact the emergency number for the fire brigade, 18, or use the 112 European emergency number and be prepared to give a precise description of where and what they saw.
In March the Dordogne préfet issued a notice banning all burning of rubbish or garden clippings in the department.
It said Dordogne had the fourth highest number of forest fires in 2019, with 100 registered, resulting in 142 hectares burnt.
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