This Wednesday, France is facing a particularly high fire risk, affecting nearly half the country. The regions Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Mediterranean rim are on alert, with a risk level described ashigh. Two areas in Charente-Maritime (17) are even classified as high-risk very high, according to the latest figures from the prefecture.
Heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures
At the same time, an exceptional heatwave is sweeping across the country, with 58 departments placed on red alert for a heatwave for the day. The minimum temperatures, which are already high, continue to rise: in the early morning, they range between 20 and 26°C, or even more locally, record-breaking figures for the season.
This afternoon, the maximum temperatures will remain exceptionally high, with peaks at 39–42°C across a large part of the western half of the country. Some areas, such as the Poitou-Charentes and the Loire Valley could even reach 43°C. The Hauts-de-France, which had previously been spared, are also seeing the extreme heat gain ground. From new temperature records, across all months, are a cause for concern.
Conditions conducive to the outbreak of fires
This combination of drought, moderate winds and extreme temperatures creates ideal conditions for forest fires to spread. The authorities are calling for utmost vigilance, particularly in areas classified as high-risk. It is recommended that you avoid any risky behaviour (cigarette ends, barbecues, work that produces sparks) and comply with the restrictions on access to woodland areas in force.
To follow developments in real time, visit our alert cards and the prefectural alerts.