Southwest France’s timber sector is preparing to process large volumes of fire-damaged maritime pine after wildfires affected forests in Gironde and Landes. About 39 thousand to 41 thousand hectares of maritime pine were affected in Gironde, representing 3.5 million m3 of wood, Le Monde reported.
Foresters remain barred from entering the center of burned plots because hot ground and lingering smoke create a risk that vehicles could reignite embers. Access could remain restricted until fall rains allow authorities to declare the fire extinguished.
Once access resumes, forest owners will need to fell burned trees before bark beetles damage the timber further. The condition of individual trees will determine which markets can use the wood.
The most heavily burned material could be processed into heating pellets. Less damaged timber could be used for pallets, paper production, plywood panels, battens and other timber products.
Maritime pine prices could range from about Euro 10 to more than Euro 50 per m3 depending on the timber’s condition and intended use. Buyers and sellers in the region traditionally negotiate prices directly, while wood sold by the National Forests Office or municipalities is offered through tenders.
The 3.5 million m3 affected in Gironde is close to two-thirds of the forest region’s typical annual production. Another 210 thousand m3 of timber was lost in the Biscarrosse fire in Landes.