Nearly 100 hectares burned in southwest France overnight, while forecaster Météo France warns of an elevated wildfire risk across large parts of the country amid record-breaking temperatures.
Forest fires have broken out across several parts of France in recent days as the country goes through an intense heatwave, with fires reported in the départements of Ain, Allier and Aveyron.
One of the largest fires occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday in Boussès, in the Lot-et-Garonne département in southwest France, where almost 100 hectares of vegetation were destroyed.
The fire was brought under control by 4am on Wednesday after a major operation involving 180 firefighters, 80 fire engines and four water-bombing aircraft. Reinforcements were drafted in from neighbouring départements, while Canadair aircraft played a key role in stopping the blaze in the difficult areas to access.
Another wildfire burned nearly 100 hectares of forest in the western département of Maine-et-Loire.
READ ALSO: The essential app for keeping track of wildfires in France
Which départements are currently on alert?
As temperatures continue to soar, Météo-France on Wednesday placed 35 départements across central, western and southern France on high alert for forest fires.
A total of 58 départements are under red alert for extreme heat, while a further 31 are on orange alert.
The départements affected by this high risk of forest fires are: Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Landes, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Lot, Dordogne, Charente-Maritime, Charente, Haute-Vienne, Creuse, Puy-de-Dôme, Allier, Vendée, Loire-Atlantique, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, Maine-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire, Indre, Cher, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Côte-d’Or, Yonne, Loiret, Essonne and Loir-et-Cher.
You can check daily forest fire risk forecasts through Météo-France’s ‘Météo des Forêts’ service HERE
Météo France has placed several départements across France on orange alert for wildfires.How can you help prevent forest fires?
Authorities estimate that around nine out of ten wildfires are caused by human activity, often accidentally.
Fire prevention advice includes: using barbecues only in authorised areas away from dry vegetation, never throwing cigarette butts on the ground or from a vehicle, avoiding carrying out outdoor work that could generate sparks near dry grass or woodland, and consult local authorities before heading into forested areas.
READ ALSO: Wildfire prevention: The legal obligations for French property owners
What should you do if a fire starts?
If you spot a fire, call emergency services immediately on 112 or 18, or 114 for people with hearing impairments. Give the most precise location possible, move away from the fire and follow instructions from emergency services.
If evacuation is not possible, authorities advise taking shelter inside a cleared building. Emergency officials warn that a car is not a safe refuge during a wildfire because it can become trapped by flames.
Check local restrictions before visiting forests
During periods of elevated fire risk, préfectures may impose temporary restrictions.
This includes restricting or prohibiting access to forests and woodland, banning barbecues, fireworks and open flames, limiting agricultural, forestry or construction work that could create sparks and restricting the use of machinery such as brush cutters, shredders, chainsaws or welding equipment.
Be aware that failure to comply with wildfire prevention rules can result in a fine of up to €750.
Visitors are also advised to check the website of the préfecture in their destination département before travelling.
France waiting for new firefighting aircraft
France has ordered additional Canadair water-bombing aircraft as part of efforts to strengthen its response to increasingly frequent wildfires.
However, the first deliveries are not expected before 2028, meaning civil protection services will tackle the 2026 summer season with broadly the same aerial resources as last year.
The national fleet currently consists of 26 aircraft and 10 water-bombing helicopters, which can be deployed across the country. France also regularly shares firefighting resources with neighbouring countries in case of a large blaze.
READ ALSO: French government expands obligatory wildfire prevention work for homeowners
