Anti-corruption group files complaint over Cap-Ferret firebreak

The anti-corruption association AC !! has filed a complaint against X to request an investigation into the creation of an unauthorized firebreak in Cap-Ferret during the massive Gironde wildfires.

Benoît Bartherotte, president of the Association de défense de la pointe du Cap-Ferret (ADPCF), initiated the project on July 23 by cutting down pine trees across several hundred meters to create a barrier. The project was carried out on land belonging in part to the municipality and the Office national des forêts (ONF).

While Bartherotte claimed he acted out of urgency and sought retroactive authorization through high-level networks, the anti-corruption group alleges the work began without permission. The project had been briefly suspended by the local town hall on July 26 before resuming following discussions with authorities. AC !! is seeking an inquiry into potential environmental and forestry infractions, as well as the circumstances under which public authorities may have facilitated the unauthorized work.