A cigarette butt can cause immense damage. Gaetan Prévoteau (mayor of Langlade) understood this. This village of 2,100 residents was represented by an elected representative. He issued an order prohibiting smoking in certain areas and cars on June 17.
Gaetan Prévoteau assures that TF1 is not “against smoking”. This measure, which was in force since June 18, aims to prevent the spread of fire. Fires are a real threat in Langlade as in many other French territories. Low water reserves, high temperatures and drought are not good signs.
Forest fire season is open, and usually begins in mid-July. Extremely early fires have been recorded in Aude and Var, Alpes-Maritimes or Aveyron. 60 campsite bungalows were set on fire by fire on June 13.
In our columns, the vice president of the National Federation of Firefighters of France, FNSPF, pointed out that 90% of fires are human-caused and that 70% to 80% of these fires are accidental. To prevent the spread of fire, he urged the public to stop engaging in certain behavior. For example, throwing cigarette sticks on the ground. Because a spark can quickly become an inferno in extreme conditions of low humidity and high temperatures.
Langlade received a message informing that the mayor had decided to ban smoking in public places. The fine for violators is 15 euros. This is a fine that is not prohibitive but can be used for education purposes. Gaetan Prevoteau, TF1: “The goal in itself it prevention.”
His order remains in force until July 31. The mayor will not hesitate to extend his order if rain doesn’t fall on his village by that time.
