Vegetation fires surge on the island

Many vegetation fires have affected the island this weekend, to such an extent that firefighters reported a lack of vehicles to respond effectively. The situation has overwhelmed local resources, highlighting the severity of the current crisis.

Fire damage exceeds annual averages

According to Naturalistes, the area destroyed in a few days is equivalent to that typically recorded in an entire year before the passage of the cyclone Chido. This rapid destruction underscores the exceptional intensity of the current fire season.

Fire frequency rises sharply

After this event and the accumulation of dead wood, the number of fires had increased tenfold. The buildup of dry vegetation has made the landscape more vulnerable to rapid fire spread, compounding the risk.

Concerns over potential disaster

Naturalistes is concerned about the resumption of these fires, which could, according to them, lead to a disaster comparable to that which occurred in 2025. The association warns that without intervention, the situation could escalate to a level similar to a past crisis.

Call to ban controlled burns

Naturalistes recall that they had recommended as early as July to anticipate the fire season by prohibiting controlled burns. They argue that these burns, intended to reduce fire risk, have instead contributed to the current crisis.

Insufficient response with current measures

The association estimates that "mobilizing water-bombing helicopters is not sufficient, because this does not address the causes of fires, namely the controlled burns." They emphasize that firefighting efforts must be paired with preventive measures.

Demand for urgent decree

Naturalistes reiterates its request for an urgent prefectural decree to prohibit all vegetation fires until the end of December. This measure, they argue, is essential to prevent further escalation of the fire risk.

Need for law enforcement coordination

The association calls for coordinated action by law enforcement agencies — municipal police, intercommunal police, OFB police, and gendarmerie — to enforce this ban. Effective enforcement is seen as critical to the success of the proposed measures.

Exploring alternative solutions

Naturalistes highlight the existence of alternative solutions to controlled burns and wish to establish a round table bringing together all concerned stakeholders to explore these options. They believe collaboration is key to finding sustainable fire prevention strategies.

Key demands outlined

Among its demands, the association specifies: The prohibition of all vegetation fires until the end of December, the mobilization of police and gendarmerie forces to identify and prosecute those responsible for fires, and the convening of a round table bringing together all stakeholders to seek alternative solutions.