The hazard of forest fires in southern France.
The annual hazard of fire in the forest, maquis and garrigue of southern France is related both to the fragile nature of the Mediterranean ecosystem and to man's activities. The Mediterranean vegetation is adapted to withstand the aridity of the summer months, but the combination of high temperatures, low precipitation, critical soil-moisture levels and occasional bouts of strong winds (mistral) desiccate the vegetation cover and create conditions in which outbreaks of forest fires are inevitable. Although the annual incidence and impact of forest fires are related to the occurrence of extreme weather conditions they are also exacerbated by depopulation of the remoter rural areas, the spread of urbanization and the growth of tourist facilities in the more accessible coastal zones, and above dl by man's carelessness. This article reviews the factors affecting the nature and severity of forest fires and discusses the attempts being made to prevent and control forest fires in the Mediterranean zone of southern France.
Huddersfield Polytechnic Queensgate Huddersfield HD1 3DH, U.K.
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JE
Wrathall