The south of France is facing a critical situation regarding the risk of forest fires, with danger levels classified as ‘very high’ in several areas, particularly in Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Current weather conditions, characterised by a persistent heatwave, the tramontane and the mistral, are significantly increasing the risk of fires breaking out.
Fire risk map
Areas on high alert
Several mountain ranges and areas are particularly at risk, with a “very high” risk reported in the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Drôme, and parts of Var and Vaucluse.
Firefighters on high alert
In light of this situation, the fire services in the affected departments are on high alert. Preventive measures have been put in place, including ground and aerial patrols to monitor high-risk areas. Teams have also been mobilised to respond rapidly in the event of a fire breaking out, with heavy-duty equipment such as Canadair aircraft and water-bombing helicopters ready for deployment.
The authorities are reminding the public of the importance of complying with the safety guidelines, including a total ban on fires in forests and in the vicinity of wooded areas. Agricultural and forestry activities are also subject to restrictions to minimise the risk of sparks or machinery overheating.
Exacerbating weather conditions
The combination of scorching temperatures, often exceeding 35°C, and strong winds such as the tramontane and the mistral, creates an environment that is extremely conducive to the rapid spread of fires. These winds, which can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, dry out the vegetation and fan the flames, making the firefighters’ work even more challenging.
The weather forecast for the coming days does not suggest any significant improvement. The authorities are therefore urging people to exercise the utmost caution.