Southern France on High Alert as Severe Fire Risk Prompts Forest Access Ban

On July 4, 2026, officials in southern France have issued a red alert for very severe fire risk in two key zones within the Gard department: Costières - Petite Camargue and Gard Rhodanien - Garrigues. This designation has triggered a prefectural order that strictly prohibits access, circulation, and human presence in forests, moors, scrublands, and garrigues in these high-risk areas.

The affected communes in Costières - Petite Camargue include Aigues-Mortes, Aimargues, Beauvoisin, and five others, totaling nine communes. The Gard Rhodanien zone covers 36 communes such as Aramon, Bagnols-Sur-Ceze, and Beaucaire, while the Garrigues zone includes 49 communes including Aigues-Vives, Argilliers, and Nîmes. Although other regions face lower fire risk levels, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant due to ongoing strong winds and abnormally high temperatures.

Officials underscore that 90% of fires stem from human action, emphasizing the need for caution, especially amid extreme meteorological and hydrological conditions linked to heatwaves and drought. The public is advised to adopt responsible behaviors, particularly smokers, barbecue users, and those engaging in outdoor DIY or handling flammable materials, to avoid devastating wildfires.

This comprehensive fire preparedness measure aims to protect both communities and natural landscapes in the face of worsening climate-related hazards.