High Fire Danger Levels Persist Across Central and Southern France
Météo-France warns of ongoing high wildfire danger in central and southern France.
Key Points
- • High fire danger levels reported in the Centre-West and South of France.
- • Recent rainfall has temporarily reduced fire risk in the Mediterranean region.
- • Specific departments like Maine-et-Loire and Deux-Sèvres are under high danger warnings.
- • Expectations of strong winds may further increase fire dangers in southeastern regions.
As of July 15, 2025, Météo-France has issued high fire danger warnings for the Centre-West and Southern regions of France, continuing a trend following a recent heatwave that dehydrated soils and stressed vegetation. While a brief respite came with cooler temperatures and some rainfall that helped reduce risks in the Mediterranean, conditions remain critical in regions including Maine-et-Loire, Deux-Sèvres, and Vienne. In contrast, other areas like the Centre-Val-de-Loire are still under severe fire risks despite today's lower temperatures due to expected strong winds, such as the mistral and tramontane, which could exacerbate the fire threat.
Historically, from June 19 to July 4, the country experienced extreme heat that significantly impacted soil moisture levels. Météo-France stresses the importance of its daily updates through "Météo des forêts," which aim to keep the public informed about fire risks throughout the summer months. Alarmingly, a projection by Météo-France indicates that, under climate change scenarios, fire seasons could extend by one to two months by the year 2100, heightening the need for awareness. Authorities continue to emphasize that human negligence is the leading cause of forest fires, urging vigilance among the public regarding fire safety practices.