Early wildfires: Around 12,000 hectares affected since the start of the season, authorities warn

Paris – 10 July 2026: In many regions of France, firefighters have been working continuously since the beginning of summer: according to consistent reports from authorities and the media, nearly 12,000 hectares of forest and vegetation have been affected by fires since the start of the season. In the first week of July alone, 9,921 hectares burned — a figure significantly higher than during the same period last year and making this year’s situation unusually serious at an early stage.

In recent days, the Ministry of the Interior has organized several situation meetings with prefectures and field commanders. Locally, evacuation orders, road closures and restrictions on access to particularly vulnerable forest areas have been imposed. The seasonal resource allocation plan has been adjusted: additional response forces have been deployed to high-risk departments, aerial support has been placed on standby, and logistics centers for water and supply provision have been established.

At the beginning of July, Météo-France assessed the risk level as high to very high in many southern regions, along the Mediterranean coast and in parts of the southwest. Prolonged heat, dry ground and wind increase the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly. Although more humid air at times brought temporary relief in some areas, the situation remains volatile; sparks and smoldering embers can reignite fires even after initial containment. Experts stress that most fires are caused by human activity — from improper gardening work and discarded cigarette butts to sparks generated by machinery — and can be avoided through caution.

The focus of recent operations has been in the departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard and Var. At the end of June and beginning of July, large vegetation fires occurred there, at times threatening campsites and scattered residential areas. Many fires were stabilized or contained thanks to large ground forces and the use of firefighting aircraft and helicopters. Logistical support with fire patrols is underway to prevent renewed outbreaks.

The National Firefighters Federation and civil protection authorities report thousands of emergency calls since the start of the season. In addition to professional and volunteer firefighters, disaster response units, forestry services and local government response command centers are involved. Local authorities are preparing temporary accommodation where evacuations are necessary and informing residents about closures, water collection and access rules for emergency vehicles.

The government urges residents and visitors to exercise strict caution: fires and outdoor grilling are permitted only in designated locations, do not smoke in nature, keep forest access routes clear and report suspicious incidents immediately via the emergency number 112. Forest visitors should follow signs and instructions from the prefectures; during strong winds and very high risk levels, forests may be temporarily closed. Depending on the prefecture, time restrictions may apply to spark-producing work at agricultural and forestry operations. The aim is to prevent new fire outbreaks and reduce the burden on emergency services while weather conditions remain dangerous.