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Protecting my family and my home from forest fires

Nine out of ten fires are caused by humans — and most of the houses that were destroyed had not had their surrounding undergrowth cleared. If you live near woodland, heathland or wasteland, this section sets out your responsibilities, the steps you should take and the tools you’ll need, in the order in which to use them.

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Content verified — July 2026 Forest Fires Association

Key information for you

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

Clearing undergrowth isn’t just a piece of advice – it’s the law Less than 200 metres from a woodland: a 50-metre buffer zone must be maintained around your property. A fine of up to €50 per square metre and an insurance excess of €5,000 in the event of non-compliance.
It’s the sparks that set the houses alight Gutters full of pine needles, unprotected air vents, timber against the façade: sort out these entry points before summer.
A ready-made meal is ready in 5 minutes 72-hour emergency kit ready, family plan agreed (who looks after whom, where to meet), and we only evacuate on orders — otherwise we stay put.
Smoke? Call 112 straight away The first 10 minutes are crucial. Make sure you’re in the right position, that the fire is the right size, and that you know which way the wind is blowing — then report it via the app.

Your actions

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

Check whether I am required to clear my hedgerows Your address in relation to the official OLD zoning (based on IGN data / data.gouv.fr): get the result on a map in 30 seconds, with a 50-metre radius highlighted. Check Testing my home for vulnerabilities 18 questions, a score and personalised recommendations based on emergency services criteria. Get started Addressing the property’s weak points Roofs, gutters, ventilation systems, storage areas: tracking down sources of flying sparks, room by room. View the details Packing your 72-hour emergency kit The complete checklist to tick off and print out: documents, medicines, water, torch, radio. View the details Knowing how to self-isolate on the big day Why a brick-built house is the best shelter, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide to lockdown. View the details Recognising an FR-Alert alert The loud alert that could save your life — how it works, and how to respond to it. View the details

Useful resources & contacts

The organisations and reference documents relevant to your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I affected by the compulsory brush-clearing regulations?

If your home is less than 200 metres from woodland, a forest, heathland or scrubland in a high-risk area, then most likely yes: 50 metres around buildings, plus access routes. Check in 30 seconds with our map tool, then confirm this with the prefectural order.

The fire is getting closer: should I leave or stay?

Evacuation should only take place on the orders of the authorities (FR-Alert, door-to-door) or well in advance. If the fire is already upon you, a solid-built house with the surrounding undergrowth cleared is the best shelter: shutters closed, air vents sealed up; the fire front will pass in a matter of minutes. Fleeing at the last minute is the most dangerous scenario. Details: during the fire.

Does my insurance cover a forest fire?

Yes: the fire cover under your home insurance policy applies, without the need to wait for any declaration of a natural disaster. Report the claim within 5 working days, take photographs of everything, and do not throw anything away before the loss adjuster arrives. Please note: failure to clear brushwood may now result in an additional excess of up to €5,000. See insurance procedures.

Can I burn my garden waste after clearing the undergrowth?

No — open-air burning is prohibited all year round throughout France (€450 fine). Take your waste to a recycling centre, shred it or compost it. The full rules: fire, barbecue, burning.

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The risk changes every day. Stay informed.

Daily updates, real-time fire alerts, public reporting: the free tools from Feux de Forêt, available online and on mobile.

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