Lichtenberg. From the top of the castle, scouts keep an eye on the forest to prevent fires.

Like last year, the Scouts and Guides of France have come to lend a hand to the Bas-Rhin Forest Fire Sentinels network. Since July 13, no fewer than 78 teenagers, from groups in Haguenau, Palaiseau-Villebon, Nangis, and Thann, have planted their tents at the entrance to the village of Lichtenberg.

Until August 10, groups will take turns at the top of the castle to monitor the surrounding area, while pedestrian and bicycle patrols will crisscross the trails to raise awareness among hikers. This is a valuable presence for the All-Terrain Intervention Unit (UITT), the prefecture, and volunteers from the Sentinelles network, as fires become increasingly frequent in the department.

Very proud of this project , Mayor Yves Klein affirms: "Lichtenberg is the ideal place to install a fire sentinel." Built on a hill, the village forms an island in the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park. Its castle, a veritable lookout, offers a 360-degree view of the massif. "On clear days, you can even see Strasbourg Cathedral," he adds.

Perched atop the keep, Noémie and Fanny, 14 and 15, scan the horizon, focused. As soon as a suspicious plume is spotted, the protocol given to them by the Ingwiller firefighters must be activated. "We have to analyze, locate, then alert," explains Fanny, a scout for eight years. If the outbreak of fire is confirmed, the firefighters are notified immediately. Otherwise, a triangulation is established between the command post, set up in the camp below, and the ground patrols. If it's not too dangerous, a group can go to the scene to report the origin of the fire and even extinguish it if possible. This system has already proven itself: "The first day, we spotted smoke," says a leader. "It was a grandmother burning leaves in her garden. We went to see her, and that saved her a €730 fine."

Through the panoramic window of one of the monument's rooms, the Vosges mountains are, on this day, threatened by a storm. "With this weather, there definitely won't be a fire," thinks a visitor aloud in front of the prevention stand run by Gabrielle and Clémentine. "Don't be fooled," replies the latter, aged 14, "with the wind, fire can spread more quickly. And the vegetation is very dry." Accompanied by their leader Raphaël, they ensure prevention among visitors, relying on the recommendations of the National Forestry Office (ONF).

These driving reminders seem necessary, given that 90% of fires are caused by humans. Cigarette butts or even the sun's reflection on an abandoned glass bottle... It doesn't take much. "It seems logical, but we don't always think about it," the teenager concedes. "People know it exists, but they don't realize it can happen in their homes."

Affected by global warming, the 178,000 hectares of Bas-Rhin forests are making the department increasingly prone to forest fires. The mayor of Lichtenberg is well aware of this danger: "Despite appearances, the wood here is highly flammable: like real gasoline sticks." This year's season got off to a strong start on July 5th, with a devastating fire near Haguenau. Despite the ban on lighting fires within 200 meters of the forest, the incivility continues. "A patrol discovered a wild boar roasting unattended in the middle of the forest," laments Jean-François Romain, the sentinel leader for Scouts and Guides of France.

They themselves had to find an alternative to their iconic campfire vigil. "We use solar-powered lamps with a water container," jokes Killian Jung, who assists Jean-François Romain in managing the camp. Even without a fire, the warmth of these teenagers radiates into the village. "Yesterday they led the mass," enthuses the mayor. "It brings life back." A good understanding, which gives hope for the return of this initiative next year.