The prefect of the Var region announced on Friday, September 4, that hunting will be banned in forest areas affected by summer wildfires for a period of one year. The affected areas include parts of several communes, including Arcs-sur-Argens, Barjols, Correns, Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens, Pontevès, Taradeau, and Le Val. The hunting ban will take effect when the official hunting season begins on Sunday, September 13. This decision was made after discussions with the departmental hunting and wildlife commission (CDCFS), with the goal of helping small game species recover in the burned areas. The ban applies to all forms of hunting, except for "boar hunting in drives." This exception is due to the damage wild boars can cause to crops, especially in agricultural areas near the burned forest zones. Boar hunting in drives involves using a group of hunters to herd the animals toward a specific location, making it easier to shoot them. This method is considered more effective in controlling boar populations that threaten farmland. One of the most significant fires in the region was the fire at Gros Bessillon, which started in the commune of Pontevès on Tuesday, July 21. The fire spread over 6,300 hectares, with 5,300 hectares completely burned. To combat the blaze, a total of 11,000 firefighters were mobilized. After a month of intense efforts, the fire was finally extinguished on Tuesday, August 17. The decision to ban hunting in these areas reflects concerns about the ecological damage caused by the fires and the need to support the recovery of local wildlife. By temporarily restricting hunting, authorities hope to allow small game species to repopulate and stabilize the ecosystem in the affected regions.