In the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France, residents living in cabins—often built on rural land—have suffered significant losses due to recent wildfires. Many of these individuals report feeling neglected or discriminated against by local authorities, who are increasingly enforcing a policy known as "anti-cabanization." This initiative aims to regulate and reduce the number of cabins, which are often built without proper permits and are seen as potential fire hazards. Julien, a resident of Bouleternère and Ille-sur-Têt, lost his cabin and surrounding structures in a fire that started in Trévillach on July 5. The cabin, built in 1987, was completely destroyed, leaving only charred remains and rubble. Julien, who had lived self-sufficiently on the land he purchased in 2012, also lost a nursery business and greenhouse. While the material damage is estimated in the tens of thousands of euros, he emphasizes that the loss of his self-reliant lifestyle is the most painful aspect of the incident. Other residents have faced similar challenges. Chris, who had spent four years transforming a 500 m² plot into what she called a "small paradise," saw her cabin reduced to a concrete slab and metal roof after the fire. Kaika, a neighbor who had been renovating her cabin for six years, lost both her property and her animals. She and Chris tried to retrieve their animals but were stopped by gendarmes. Many of these residents have been denied official recognition as disaster victims, which limits their access to financial aid and support. As of December 1, 2024, 174 mayors out of 226 in the Pyrénées-Orientales have signed the prefectural "anti-cabanization" charter, which involves multiple agencies to identify and manage unauthorized cabin construction. Approximately 550 legal cases are currently being processed in the department. A recent Senate bill, passed on May 6, allows prefects and municipalities to order evacuations and demolitions without judicial approval. The bill has support from Les Républicains and senators from the Pyrénées-Orientales. Critics of the "anti-cabanization" policy argue that it reflects broader right-wing societal trends and focuses on fire prevention, claiming that cabin residents increase risks for firefighters. However, advocates like Guillaume de Salvert from the Federation of Reversible Housing argue that such homes are a practical solution for housing and that public authorities should support, rather than repress, these residents. He notes that the entire region faces fire and flood risks, not just areas with cabins. Some residents, like Julien, have tried to reduce risks by grazing goats to clear land, following advice from former local fire officials. Despite these efforts, many feel they are being unfairly targeted by authorities. The hostile environment has led some to consider leaving the area, as they feel their efforts to live sustainably are being ignored or punished.