Pascal Canfin warns of the growing risk of fires in France

Paris – 13.07.2026: The warning comes in a summer in which the risk of fires has long since ceased to affect only the Mediterranean region. MEP Pascal Canfin has warned, in the face of persistent heat and dry vegetation, against a collective attitude of looking the other way. His words come at a time when firefighters and prefectures in many parts of France are under particular pressure.

The Ministry of the Environment had already called on its services across the country on July 6 to maintain greater operational readiness. It indicated that periods of heat and drought could recur under the influence of climate change. Particular attention is being paid to protecting water reserves, air quality, and preventing forest and vegetation fires. Even areas that had previously been affected less frequently are now considered at risk.

Recent decisions by prefectures show how seriously the situation is being taken. In the Rhône department, fireworks, pyrotechnic displays, and sky lanterns are prohibited until July 15 at 8:00 a.m. The authorities justify the measure by the high risk of forest fires. In neighboring Vaucluse, extensive restrictions on fireworks and pyrotechnic articles also apply during the days leading up to the national holiday.

In Ardèche, authorities have recorded a notable increase in vegetation fires since the beginning of summer. Wind, high temperatures, and parched soils can quickly turn small fires into difficult-to-control incidents. At the end of June, the prefect therefore appealed to the public to avoid any behavior that could cause sparks or a fire.

The warnings come to a country that traditionally celebrates its national holiday with outdoor events, barbecues, and fireworks. These days in particular require special attention from emergency services. For residents of at-risk regions, this means above all: comply with local regulations, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles, and immediately report any sign of smoke to emergency numbers 18 or 112.

According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, nine out of ten forest and vegetation fires are caused by human activity. This does not mean that every fire is started intentionally. Discarded cigarettes, spark-producing work, poorly secured barbecue areas, or vehicles on dry grass may be enough. The causes of each fire are investigated by the relevant investigative bodies and response teams.

Canfin’s alarm call is above all a political wake-up call, but it describes a concrete situation on the ground: France is trying to get through an exceptionally dry and hot period without many small acts of carelessness turning into major disasters. Whether the protective measures will be sufficient will be decided in the coming days in fields, forest edges, and emergency coordination centers across the country.