Fire watch in Grand Pic Saint-Loup
Awareness and prevention of fire risks in the Hérault region.
The Pic Saint-Loup is one of the four Hérault massifs concerned by the forest fire risk watch implemented by the Hérault Prefecture until September 10, 2023.
The Hérault Prefecture has decided to place the Pic Saint-Loup Massif under surveillance by issuing a prefectoral decree restricting access to it in order to prevent the risk of wildfire. In addition to this prefectoral decree, some of the region's communes may also be required to take similar measures, by municipal decree, to restrict access to certain forest areas in their territory exposed to fire risk.
The Tourist Office of the Grand Pic Saint-Loup and its professionals are mobilizing to help you raise awareness and monitor the safety of your visitors.
How does it work?
In the event of Vigilance rouge defined daily by the prefecture at 6pm for the following day, access to the Massif du Grand Pic Saint-Loup is therefore forbidden to all outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, climbing, picnics, etc.).
The Cazevieille and Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers parking lots are closed to all parking.
Every day, the prefecture issues a warning in the form of a "risk level", expressed by a color (4 risk levels, from green to red). In the event of a red vigilance for zones 3 or 4 on the map, the Pic Saint-Loup Massif is closed to all outdoor leisure activities.
So, before planning a walk, hike or outdoor activity, consult the Hérault forest fire alert map drawn up daily at 6pm, or contact the relevant town hall or tourist office.
Map not updated in real time
In addition to this prefectoral decree, certain communes in the region may also be required to implement similar measures to restrict access to certain forest areas.
Before you go hiking, remember to :
- Consult the forest fire vigilance map the day before from 6pm. https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/herault/
- Contact the tourist office to make sure that access to your chosen hiking site is accessible (and possibly redirect you to other activities).
Why ban access to forest areas?
To ensure the safety of visitors: in the event of fire, it can spread very quickly, and reach people in the area.
To significantly reduce the risk of fire: 90% of fires in summer are caused by humans. 80% of fires start in the immediate vicinity of roads, paths and tracks. Limiting traffic in very high-risk areas means reducing the risk of fires starting.
Optimizing the work of safety personnel: during periods of high fire risk, safety personnel and resources are in great demand. By limiting access to forest areas during periods of high fire risk, we can ensure that firefighters are available to coordinate rescue efforts more effectively.
What is prohibited in the event of a red alert?
This is traffic for leisure purposes in the forest zone, as defined by the map in the decree. The main access points to the Pic Saint-Loup Massif, such as the parking lots at Cazevieille and Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, will be closed.
However, in the event of a red alert, we ask our visitors not to travel to any other mountain range during the alert period, and therefore to temporarily refrain from activities in the forests and garrigues.
However, all other tourist activities are still possible, so don't hesitate to visit this website to discover the wealth of our region, its villages, museums, wineries, restaurants and other leisure facilities.
Am I allowed to return to my accommodation in the event of a red alert?
Yes, establishments open to the public remain open, provided they have fulfilled their local brush-clearing obligations.
Is tourism still possible in the event of a red alert?
Yes, the ban is based on access to forest areas designated as "vigilance rouge", and to activities in the area concerned. In all other unmarked areas, all other tourist activities are permitted.
Ai-je le droit d’accéder aux massifs forestiers en cas de vigilance orange ?
Yes, from a regulatory point of view. But since the risk is higher than usual, your vigilance should be all the greater.
This is an opportunity to remind you that you NEVER light a fire in the forest, whatever the weather conditions, even a "very small" one, and that barbecues are not tolerated, as the risk of fire spreading is considerably higher when vegetation is dry.
And then there are the basics: don't smoke, never empty an ashtray in the wild, nor leave a bottle out, as the glass can act as a magnifying glass and ignite the undergrowth. Don't carry out construction work or any other activity that could generate sparks. Don't take any flammable products with you (firelighters, chemicals or petrochemicals).
If you see a fire starting, call 112, 18 or 114 (hearing-impaired people), try to locate the fire and get to safety.
Can I be fined if I drive in restricted areas during a red alert?
Yes, any public official (forest ranger, policeman, gendarme, etc.) is empowered to issue an official statement of offence for up to 135 euros, depending on your situation.
To find out more
Arrêté Communal Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel
Puech des Mourgues - Truc de Salles / Les Combes / Bois Noir
Arrêté Municipal Saint-Gely-du-Fesc
Forêt domaniale - Piste FDCI et massif boisés de la commune
Arrêtés de la police municipale - Saint-Clément-de-Rivières
Réglementation d'accès, à la circulation et à la fréquentation des Massifs forestiers de Saint-Sauveur et le Grand Devois.
Supplementary by-laws
