Corbières: A forestry agent is being prosecuted in the investigation into the giant 2025 fire.

The investigation into the massive fire that ravaged the Corbières mountains in the summer of 2025 has taken a major turn. An employee of the National Forestry Office (ONF) was formally charged on Thursday by a Montpellier court with aggravated involuntary destruction by fire. The official denies any responsibility for starting the blaze, which was one of the worst fire disasters in France in recent decades.

The investigation is focusing on the exact circumstances of the fire that occurred on August 5, 2025, in the Aude region. Two other ONF (National Forestry Office) employees, also questioned by investigators, have been released without charge at this stage. According to several local media outlets, investigators are particularly interested in determining whether a cigarette butt could have started the fire.

A disaster with lasting consequences

The blaze burned through nearly 17.000 hectares, destroying over 11.000 hectares of vegetation before being completely brought under control after several weeks of firefighting. The fire swept through sixteen municipalities, destroyed dozens of homes, and claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman. Experts quickly focused on human origin, ruling out any natural cause.

This indictment has sparked strong emotions in the region and within the National Forestry Office (ONF). On the ground, the scars of the disaster remain highly visible and continue to weigh heavily on local businesses, particularly tourism. While authorities are strengthening their prevention measures in response to the increased risk of fire, this case serves as a stark reminder that the majority of wildfires are still linked to human behavior.