Business & Construction Sites Section

Working near mountain ranges: preventing workplace fires

A disc mower on a building site, a landscaper’s brush cutter, a construction machine on dry grass: every summer, major fires are caused by work-related activities. Fire permits, work stoppages, employer liability: the regulatory framework — and best practice.

Today’s Alert Work involving sparks

Content verified — July 2026 Forest Fires Association

Key information for you

The 4 key messages to bear in mind for your profile.

Red days result in the suspension of certain works Prefectural orders restrict or prohibit high-risk work (sparks, hot spots) on days when the risk is very high — including for professionals. Check every morning during the season.
The fire permit maps your hotspots Welding, cutting, grinding: the fire permit procedure (assessment, fire-extinguishing equipment, post-work monitoring) is the standard — and your best legal defence.
A hot engine on dry grass is enough Parking on hard surfaces, unobstructed exhaust pipes, and checked on-board fire extinguishers: the basic guidelines for vehicle fleets in high-risk areas.
The employer is liable for the outbreak of fire Criminal liability (gross negligence) and civil liability (claims by insurers, which can sometimes be enormous): well-documented prevention measures protect both the company and its employees.

Your actions

In practical terms, here’s what you can do right now.

Apply the ‘spark-generating work’ method Firefighting windows, clear area, extinguishing within range, monitoring one hour later: the full procedure. View the details Incorporating vigilance into the schedule On the eve of any work in an exposed area: the conditions the following day determine which tasks are permitted. View Be aware of the restrictions on the use of fire Open-air burning on building sites is prohibited, with exemptions being rare: what the law says for professionals. View the details Do you offer brush-clearing services that comply with regulations? Landscape architects: the OLD standards set out in the regulations — a growing market, clients in need of sound advice. View the details Training mobile teams Caught out by a vehicle fire: the steps your drivers need to know. View the details Receive site alerts FR-Alert works on all mobile phones in the area — incorporate it into your health and safety guidelines. View the details

Useful resources & contacts

The organisations and reference documents relevant to your profile.

Prefectural Order on ‘works’ Each department listed here provides guidance on work carried out during high-risk periods — the document to be attached to your PPSPS.
INRSReference Fire permits and fire prevention in the workplace.
OPPBTPConstruction Health and Safety in the Construction Industry — heat, fire, site organisation.
Your SDIS Guidance on sensitive construction sites; agreements for rock-cutting works.
Raise awareness amongst your teams The figures that help you understand what’s at stake in a ‘15-minute safety’ initiative.
Fires currently burning Real-time updates on the situation at your construction sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a ‘red day’ mean that all building work is prohibited?

No — it restricts work involving a risk of ignition (hot spots, sparks, burning) in and around wooded areas, in accordance with the terms of your department’s order: some impose time restrictions (ending at 1 pm), whilst others impose a total ban with exemptions. Tasks that do not pose a fire risk are still permitted. The key is to check the order AND remain vigilant every day.

Is a fire permit required in a private home?

The formal procedure applies to premises and building sites; in a private home, it is not strictly required as such, but carrying out the same steps (clearing the area, providing a fire extinguisher, monitoring the site after work) is standard practice for a professional — and this is what the judge and the insurer will look at if a fire breaks out as a result of your work.

Our company has caused a fire: what happens now?

Criminal law: charges of unintentional arson due to a breach of safety obligations remain in force (up to 3 years’ imprisonment or a fine of €45,000 for individuals; fines five times higher for legal entities; higher penalties if there are victims). Civil law: the insurers of those affected are pursuing their claims — millions of euros in claims relating to major fires. Well-documented prevention measures (fire permits, compliance with regulations) can radically alter the outcome.

Landscape gardeners: can you carry out brush-clearing work for clients all year round?

Yes — in fact, October to March is the ideal time of year. In summer, light maintenance is still possible on days when there is no risk, provided the necessary safety precautions are taken with machinery (using a wire rather than a blade near stones, and carrying a fire extinguisher). Training in the OLD standards set out in the regulations is a real selling point: the complete method.

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