France Extends Forest Fire Precautions Amid Severe Risk in August 2026

As of August 18, 2026, multiple French departments are maintaining stringent forest fire prevention measures due to an elevated and very severe risk of wildfires amid dry, sunny weather and ongoing heatwaves. Notably, the prefect of Morbihan has extended restrictions until August 31. These include a ban on fireworks and pyrotechnics within 200 meters of forested areas, restrictions on motor vehicle access to forest paths from 1 PM to 5 AM, and prohibition of camping near forest edges. Professional work that could generate sparks is limited to between 5 AM and 1 PM. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid smoking in forests, and report fires immediately.

In the Gard department, five zones including Gard Rhodanien, Garrigues, and Costières Petite Camargue are classified under a "very severe fire risk" level as of August 17. A prefectural order prohibits public access, circulation, and presence in affected forested and scrubland areas covering numerous communes such as Aramon, Bagnols-Sur-Ceze, Nîmes, and Aigues-Mortes. Authorities highlight that 90% of forest fires are caused by human activity. Precautionary guidelines include safe disposal of cigarette butts, designated barbecue areas, safeguarding outdoor work environments from sparks, and proper storage of flammable materials away from habitation.

In the Vendée department, temporary prohibitions effective from August 17 restrict fireworks, motor vehicle movement near forests during peak fire risk hours, and public access to forests from noon to midnight. Certain professional forestry and agricultural tasks are permitted under strict conditions. A permanent ban remains in place from March 1 to September 30 on lighting fires, barbecues, smoking, or burning waste within or near forested zones.

These region-specific measures have been enacted following consultations with emergency services and are dynamically adjusted in response to weather conditions and fire risk levels. Officials emphasize the critical importance of community responsibility and caution to prevent forest fires during this heightened risk period in August 2026.