Pascal Canfin warns of growing fire risk in France

Paris – July 13, 2026: This warning was issued during a summer in which the risk of fires is no longer a problem limited to Mediterranean coastal regions. Member of the European Parliament Pascal Canfin warned that society as a whole is looking away from the issue amid continuing heatwaves and dry vegetation. His remarks came at a time when fire services and prefectures across France are under particularly heavy strain.

On July 6, the Ministry of the Environment had already asked relevant bodies nationwide to strengthen their state of alert. It said that the effects of climate change could lead to recurring heatwaves and droughts. Particular emphasis is being placed on securing water resources, air quality, and preventing forest and vegetation fires. Regions that have so far suffered comparatively little damage are now also considered at risk.

How seriously the situation is being taken is also evident from recent decisions by prefectures. In the Rhône department, fireworks, pyrotechnic events, and sky lanterns are prohibited until 8 a.m. on July 15. Authorities cited the high risk of forest fires as the reason. In the neighboring Vaucluse department, extensive restrictions on fireworks and pyrotechnics also apply around the national holiday.

In the Ardèche department, authorities have recorded a noticeable increase in vegetation fires since the beginning of summer. Wind, high temperatures, and completely dry soil can cause small ignition sources to develop into difficult-to-control fire operations within a short time. At the end of June, the prefect therefore called on residents to avoid any actions that could cause sparks or fires.

These warnings are being issued in a country that traditionally celebrates the national holiday with outdoor events, barbecues, and fireworks. Such days in particular require special vigilance from emergency and fire services. For residents of risk areas, it is important above all to follow the instructions of local authorities, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles, and immediately call emergency number 18 or 112 if smoke is spotted.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, nine out of ten forest and vegetation fires are caused by human activity. This does not mean that all fires are started deliberately. A discarded cigarette, work involving sparks, an insufficiently secured barbecue area, or a vehicle parked on dry grass can be enough. The cause of individual fires is investigated in each case by the responsible investigative authorities and emergency services.

Canfin’s warning is therefore above all a call for political awakening, while also reflecting the concrete situation on the ground. France is trying to get through a period of exceptional drought and heatwaves without allowing many small acts of carelessness to develop into major disasters. Whether preventive measures are sufficient will become clear in the coming days in fields, at forest edges, and in control centers across the country.