Pascal Canfin warns of the growing risk of fires in France

Paris – 13 July 2026: The warning comes in a summer in which the risk of fires no longer concerns only the Mediterranean region. MEP Pascal Canfin warned against collective complacency in the face of persistent heat and dry vegetation. His words come at a time when firefighters and prefectures are under particular pressure in many parts of France.

On 6 July, the Ministry for Ecological Transition had already called on its services across the country to increase their state of operational readiness. Heatwaves and droughts could recur under the influence of climate change, the ministry said. Particular attention is being paid to protecting water reserves, air quality, and preventing forest and vegetation fires. Areas that have so far been affected less frequently are now also 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 15 July at 8 a.m. Authorities justify the measure by citing a high risk of forest fires. In neighbouring Vaucluse, similarly extensive restrictions on fireworks and pyrotechnic items are in force on the days around the national holiday.

In Ardèche, authorities have recorded a clear increase in vegetation fires since the start of summer. Wind, high temperatures, and parched ground can quickly turn small fires into incidents that are difficult to control. For this reason, at the end of June, the prefect called on the population to avoid any behaviour that could cause sparks or a fire.

The warnings concern a country that traditionally celebrates its national holiday with outdoor events, barbecue evenings, and fireworks. These very days require particular 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 smoke to the emergency numbers 18 or 112.

According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, nine out of ten forest and vegetation fires are attributable to human activity. This does not mean that every fire is deliberately started. Discarded cigarettes, work that produces sparks, inadequately secured barbecue areas, or vehicles parked on dry grass can be enough. The causes of individual fires are examined on a case-by-case basis by the competent investigative authorities and emergency teams.

Canfin’s warning is therefore above all a political appeal, but it describes a concrete situation on the ground: France is trying to get through an exceptionally dry and hot period without many small lapses turning into major disasters. Whether the protective measures will be sufficient will be decided in the coming days in fields, at forest edges, and in the country’s operations centres.