On Wednesday, August 21, a new episode of Mistral is looming in Provence, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h, particularly around the Etang de Berre. The intensity of this harmful wind leads to a significant increase in the risk of fire, making many massifs inaccessible in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse. Authorities are taking preventive measures to ensure public safety against this climatic threat.
On Wednesday, August 21, a new episode of Mistral will affect the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, causing strong winds that can reach up to 70 km/h, especially around the Etang de Berre. Due to these weather conditions, the risk of fire will significantly intensify, prompting authorities to close several forest massifs to the public in the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, and Var throughout the day.
Massifs affected in Bouches-du-Rhône
In the Bouches-du-Rhône department, a total of 23 massifs will be closed to the public this Wednesday. Among these massifs are iconic sites of the region. The inaccessible areas include: Montagnette, Rougadou, Alpilles, Chambremont, Chaîne des Côtes, Lançon, Les Roques, Pont de Rhaud, Quatre Termes, Castillon, Sulauze, Arbois, Côte Bleue, Collines de Gardanne, Montaiguet, Regagnas, Sainte-Victoire, Étoile, Garlaban, Sainte-Baume, Calanques, Cap Canaille, and Grand Caunet.
Closure of massifs in Var
The Var department will also see access restrictions. Only two massifs will be prohibited to the public: the Monts Toulonnais and the massif of Sainte-Baume. These measures illustrate the vigilance required to prevent potentially serious incidents during this risky period.
Situation in Vaucluse
Regarding the Vaucluse, all massifs will be closed, except for the massif of Mont Ventoux and the valley of Apt. This decision aims to protect visitors and natural resources against an increased fire threat.
Fire risk map
To better understand the situation, it is essential to consult the fire risk map. Risk levels are represented by different colors: green and yellow indicate a moderate level, orange signals a severe risk where access is discouraged, and red signals a very severe risk, leading to a prohibition of access. Areas classified in black represent an exceptional risk level, with a total access closure.
This map is updated daily to reflect current conditions and help the public make informed decisions.
Mistral: Inaccessible massifs this Wednesday, August 21
- Bouches-du-Rhône
- Montagnette
- Rougadou
- Alpilles
- Chambremont
- Chaîne des Côtes
- Lançon
- Les Roques
- Pont de Rhaud
- Quatre Termes
- Castillon
- Sulauze
- Arbois
- Côte Bleue
- Collines de Gardanne
- Montaiguet
- Regagnas
- Sainte-Victoire
- Étoile
- Garlaban
- Sainte-Baume
- Calanques
- Cap Canaille
- Grand Caunet
- Montagnette
- Rougadou
- Alpilles
- Chambremont
- Chaîne des Côtes
- Lançon
- Les Roques
- Pont de Rhaud
- Quatre Termes
- Castillon
- Sulauze
- Arbois
- Côte Bleue
- Collines de Gardanne
- Montaiguet
- Regagnas
- Sainte-Victoire
- Étoile
- Garlaban
- Sainte-Baume
- Calanques
- Cap Canaille
- Grand Caunet
- Var
- Monts Toulonnais
- Sainte Baume
- Monts Toulonnais
- Sainte Baume
- Vaucluse
- Massif du Mont Ventoux (open)
- Vallée d’Apt (open)
- Massif du Mont Ventoux (open)
- Vallée d’Apt (open)
- Montagnette
- Rougadou
- Alpilles
- Chambremont
- Chaîne des Côtes
- Lançon
- Les Roques
- Pont de Rhaud
- Quatre Termes
- Castillon
- Sulauze
- Arbois
- Côte Bleue
- Collines de Gardanne
- Montaiguet
- Regagnas
- Sainte-Victoire
- Étoile
- Garlaban
- Sainte-Baume
- Calanques
- Cap Canaille
- Grand Caunet
- Monts Toulonnais
- Sainte Baume
- Massif du Mont Ventoux (open)
- Vallée d’Apt (open)
