The use of fire: an overlooked but vital tool for pastoral areas

Oct 8, 2026 — 03:30 pm - 4:30 PM

Centre de conférences - Foyer Niveau 1

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Shepherd’s fire, controlled burning, pastoral fire, slash-and-burn... the use of fire to clear and maintain mountain pastoral areas or scrublands for grazing has endured through the centuries. Pastoral burning is a land management technique used to maintain these areas by applying fire, generally in winter, during the vegetation’s dormant period. Although rooted in Europe for thousands of years, this practice is now being reshaped by new societal expectations, climate change, and the arrival of new generations of livestock farmers, all of which are prompting practitioners to fundamentally rethink both their methods and the governance of this tool. Following an overview of the practice and its challenges, speakers from different departments will share insights into various aspects and issues related to pastoral burning: In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the leading French department in terms of burned surface area and local controlled burning committees, an experiment in coordinated planning of operations to reduce peaks in smoke emissions. In the Pyrénées-Orientales, an original organizational model between livestock farmers and fire services, in a context shaped by a wide range of considerations. In Lozère, a “fire school” to pass on expertise to young livestock farmers. In Ardèche, a recent partnership between fire services and livestock farmers to revive the use of fire. Speakers: Occitanie Regional Chamber of Agriculture Pyrénées-Atlantiques Chamber of Agriculture Pyrénées-Orientales Livestock Society COPAGE 48 Ardèche Chamber of Agriculture

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