Cork oak planting, brush clearing, wetlands… How can we try to avoid future fires?

Each forest has its specificities, and that of Landiras in Gironde is a good example: a Landes forest with 90% of maritime pines, exploited for their wood.

>> Fight against forest fires: follow the evolution of the situation in our direct

But such a homogeneous forest represents a risk according to Jonathan Lenoir, researcher at the CNRS: “Most of the Landes forests are monospecific, very homogeneous in terms of composition and sometimes also in terms of the structure of their stand. When a fire breaks out, it can spread easily, because there is no not in the landscape of elements that could form a firewall, or limit the progression of the fire.”

“Discontinuities” should be created in the Landes forest, capable of slowing down the flames. This can be cleared areas, tracks, but also other tree species. The cork oak, for example, deserves our full attention. “It’s an interesting species.explains Jonathan Lenoir, because it is fire resistant thanks to its very thick bark, and because it is native: it is found in the south of France, you don’t need to look very far for it.”

“In association with the maritime pine, the cork oak would make islets, barriers to limit the progression of the fire. And in addition, the cork oak will survive a possible fire and remain in the landscape.”

Jonathan Lenoir

at franceinfo

Another recommendation, which again concerns the Landes forest: the restoration of wetlands. They were present before the draining of the marshes ordered more than 150 years ago by Napoleon III.