Heatwave: Paris firefighters cancel the dances on 13 and 14 July

Paris – 11 July 2026: The Paris prefecture has cancelled the Sapeurs-Pompiers balls scheduled for 13 and 14 July in the capital. The decision came after warnings of exceptionally high temperatures and a request from the police prefecture to reduce events in order to ease the burden on emergency response teams. The measure affects several traditional venues in the arrondissements, where firefighters normally organise neighbourhood celebrations with dancing, music and fundraising.

In their communications, the authorities stressed the preventive nature of the measure. The persistent heatwave increases the risk of circulatory problems and other medical emergencies among participants and visitors. At the same time, firefighters and rescue services are already heavily engaged by additional operations. The Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris has reported an increase in heat-related callouts in recent days, from assisting weakened people to fires in green spaces and dried-out courtyards.

The National Day balls are considered a regular part of Paris’s summer calendar in many areas. The city administration expressed understanding for the disappointment, but emphasised the priority of protecting health and the need to keep the emergency response chain operational. Organisers are being asked to consider alternatives, such as smaller indoor formats with a limited number of people or postponements, if weather conditions permit. At the same time, the City of Paris stresses the importance of providing targeted assistance to vulnerable people, including the elderly, homeless people and those with pre-existing conditions, and of making cool shelters, drinking water distribution points and extended opening hours for air-conditioned facilities available.

From a legal perspective, this is a precautionary administrative measure by the prefecture within its powers regarding public safety and hazard prevention under exceptional environmental conditions. It is closely linked to current weather conditions and is intended to ease the burden on services that must remain available simultaneously for emergencies, fire protection and major events during the heatwave. Further adjustments for outdoor events remain possible and will depend on Météo-France forecasts and the operational situation.

The cancellation forms part of a set of recommendations applied nationwide during heat episodes: information campaigns on drinking breaks, cool spaces in municipalities, visiting services for people living alone, and calls to strictly observe hydration and rest periods during events. According to the city and organisers, those who purchased tickets or had planned donations for the firefighters’ balls should receive direct information on refunds, postponements or the allocation of donations. For the period around National Day, the authorities urge the public to avoid direct sun exposure, reduce physical exertion and use emergency lines only in cases of genuine necessity, so that resources can reach where they are most urgently needed.