Gironde: the ground is still burning after the fires of this summer

For the Hostens estate, the results were appalling: 500 hectares out of 750 were affected by the flames this summer

Gironde: the ground is still burning after the fires of this summer

For the Hostens estate, the results were appalling: 500 hectares out of 750 were affected by the flames this summer. And this winter, the consequences of the fire continue to affect this town south of Bordeaux. A former lignite mine whose operation was stopped before the Second World War continues to burn through coal, reports France Info. The phenomenon is not synonymous with a resumption of fire. It is, in fact, a lignite fire, a fossil natural coal.

The mayor of the city, Jean-Louis Dartiailh, prohibited access to the area by municipal decree. "First because there is a fall of trees and there always is because the root system is burned. On the other hand because of this layer of lignite which is a huge potential danger since the ground gives way once the lignite has burned”, he assures. Due to this underground fire, the grounds are unstable and are collapsing as the fire continues. They will require a complete overhaul before welcoming walkers again.

Despite the rains this winter, the temperature in the basement is 300 to 400 degrees, according to the county council, which monitors the area with drones. "If there isn't enough heavy rain, the water evaporates immediately. The first layer of lignite will begin to hug. But, as there is the bottom which is always on fire, it continues, ”says Jean-Louis Dartiailh. According to the mayor of Hostens, 300 m2 have already been consumed. As for dead or damaged wood, it is being evacuated from the 30,000 hectares of forest damaged this summer.