Widespread Forest Fires Ravage Southern France as Thousands Evacuate

Southern France is grappling with severe forest fires, notably in the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Rhône Valley, leading to massive evacuations and intense firefighting efforts as of early July 2026.

Since Saturday, the Aspres massif and surrounding communes in the Pyrénées-Orientales have been engulfed in flames, forcing the evacuation of around 10,000 residents. The municipality of Thuir has organized emergency accommodations for some evacuees, supported by a spontaneous outpouring of volunteer aid. Witnesses described the fire as “a great blaze in the night, like an Etna,” underscoring the ferocity of the inferno.

Simultaneously, the Justin massif near Die in the southern Rhône Valley has also been severely affected. A wildfire, exacerbated by adverse weather with high temperatures and winds reaching 50 km/h, has burned approximately 1,000 hectares. The fire split into two fronts, advancing 1.8 kilometers toward the hamlet of Vieux Montmaur, prompting voluntary evacuation of 12 residents and precautionary evacuations of Montmaur-en-Diois and Barsac despite no direct threat from flames. These evacuations also address deteriorated air quality, which poses risks to vulnerable populations.

Emergency response involves around 300 firefighters, supported by 75 reinforcements, aerial firefighting assets including a Dash aircraft and a water-dropping helicopter, and specialized civil security and ONF personnel. The prefect of the region has praised the exceptional dedication and bravery of all involved, emphasizing that efforts will continue until the threat is fully contained.

Authorities had declared a very high risk of forest fires in the southern Rhône Valley on July 2 and imposed strict restrictions on forestry activities and vehicle movements in vulnerable forest areas to mitigate further outbreaks.

As these fires continue to ravage the region, thousands remain displaced, with local communities and volunteers rallying to provide essential relief amidst challenging conditions.