Wildfire near Die flares up again under the influence of heat

Die – 10/08/2026: The wildfire in the Diois region in the Drôme department flared up again on Saturday, August 8, under the influence of heat. After stabilizing in the morning, new fire hotspots were reported late in the afternoon. As of Monday, there was initially no separate current situation report from the prefecture or the state forestry office, ONF, concerning this renewed outbreak.

The fire in the Massif de Justin above the small town of Die had started after a lightning strike on June 24 and spread again in early July amid wind and intense heat. According to the Office national des forêts, the fire had affected more than 4,200 hectares by July 20. The Justin, Laup and Solaure state forests, as well as private woodland, were particularly affected.

Authorities classified the fire as contained in mid-July, but not completely extinguished. Emergency services from the Service départemental d’incendie et de secours and forestry patrols have since inspected the extensive area daily for smoldering hotspots and smoke. Heat can persist for long periods in dry soil, root systems and deadwood. High temperatures and wind then increase the risk that previously hidden embers will ignite open flames again.

Access restrictions remain in place for the fire area. Entry to the Justin, Laup and Solaure state forests has been prohibited by prefectural order. Authorities justify the closure by citing trees damaged by the fire, unstable ground and the possibility of falling rocks. Such hazards remain even when no flames are visible on the surface. The restrictions may therefore last for several weeks or months.

The consequences extend beyond firefighting. Forests on the mountain slopes of the Diois protect lower-lying areas from erosion, falling rocks and flash floods. The ONF is preparing assessments of slope stability and the condition of the catchment areas. On this basis, it will be examined where protective measures or forestry interventions are necessary.

Independently of local closures, access to forest massifs in the Drôme is regulated from July 1 to September 15 according to the daily assessed wildfire risk. The prefecture urges people to keep their distance from smoke or open fire, provide the location as precisely as possible, and call emergency numbers 18 or 112. The fire area of more than 4,200 hectares near Die remains under continuous observation.