Wildfires in France today
So far in 2026, 97,202 hectares have burned in France — 559% above the 20-year average. Right now 1 wildfire is burning.
97,202 hectares so far this year, 559% above the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, France is the 1st furthest above its own average.
Named fires in France
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
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About wildfires in France
France has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons, with fires now affecting regions beyond the traditional Mediterranean fire zone. The 2022 Gironde fires in southwestern France shocked the nation, burning over 30,000 hectares near Bordeaux — an area not previously considered high-risk.
The Mediterranean coast, including Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Corsica, and Languedoc-Roussillon, remains the most fire-prone area. Climate change is extending fire risk northward and lengthening the fire season across the country.
This tracker monitors all fire activity across metropolitan France in real-time.
France wildfire season
Wildfire season in France runs mainly through the summer, from June to September, peaking in July and August when Mediterranean heat and drought dry out the vegetation. The south — Provence, the Gard, Languedoc and the island of Corsica — has always been the highest-risk zone, with dry mistral and tramontane winds fanning fast-moving fires.
In recent years the risk has spread well beyond the Mediterranean: the Atlantic southwest and even northern departments now see significant fires. Météo-France publishes daily fire-risk maps during the season to warn residents and visitors.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2022 Gironde Fires
Massive fires near Bordeaux burned around 30,000 hectares of pine forest and forced tens of thousands to evacuate — a shock for a southwestern region not seen as high-risk.
- 2021 Var Fire
A fire near Saint-Tropez on the Côte d'Azur burned roughly 7,000 hectares, killed several people, and forced thousands of tourists and residents to flee.
- 2017 Southern France & Corsica
A brutal Mediterranean season sent fires racing across the Riviera and Corsica, forcing mass evacuations of residents and holidaymakers.
Main causes & risk factors
- Hot, dry Mediterranean summers and deepening drought
- Strong mistral and tramontane winds that spread flames quickly
- Flammable scrubland (garrigue and maquis) and pine forest
- A large majority of fires started by human activity
- Climate change pushing fire risk northward and later into the year
Safety & preparedness
- Check Météo-France's daily fire-risk map before heading outdoors in summer
- Never light barbecues or fires near woodland during high-risk periods
- Clear vegetation around your home where "débroussaillement" rules apply
- Follow instructions from the pompiers and clear evacuation roads quickly
- Call 18 (or 112) immediately to report smoke or flames
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in France?
Mainly June to September, peaking in July and August, when heat and drought are most intense across the Mediterranean south.
Where do most wildfires happen in France?
The Mediterranean south — Provence, the Gard, Languedoc and Corsica — is the highest-risk area, though the Gironde and other regions increasingly burn too.
What was France's biggest recent wildfire?
The 2022 Gironde fires near Bordeaux burned around 30,000 hectares of forest and became a national wake-up call about spreading fire risk.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires worldwide and update several times a day.
Is this France wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across France and the world in real time.