Gironde Elevates Forest Fire Risk to Red Vigilance Amid Heatwave

As of August 8, 2026, the Gironde prefecture has escalated the forest fire risk level to red (level 4 out of 5), reflecting heightened concerns due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. This decision, announced by Sophie Brocas, the prefect of Gironde, enforces stricter preventive measures to mitigate the increased fire hazard.

In line with the interdepartmental regulation on forest fire prevention, public gatherings remain permitted in non-forested areas but are subject to stringent restrictions in forested zones. Festive, sports, and cultural events are allowed only under specific conditions defined by the prefectural decree dated August 7, 2026.

The regulation permits certain activities essential for agriculture and public services but broadly prohibits the use of fire, thermal clearing tools, outdoor green waste burning, fireworks, and other activities that could ignite fires, especially in exposed forest areas between 2 PM and 10 PM. Access to high-risk forest zones is limited to residents and designated cycling routes, with heightened surveillance and immediate firefighting readiness.

Residents are urged to comply strictly with these rules and immediately report any fire incidents to emergency services via 18 or 112. The prefect has emphasized the critical importance of responsibility during this vulnerable period to safeguard both people and property.

This elevation in vigilance follows recent devastating wildfire events in France, although the nearby Gros Bessillon fire in the Var region was declared contained on August 7 after burning 6,300 hectares and destroying 41 homes. The ongoing preventive measures in Gironde aim to prevent such disasters amid the current heatwave conditions.