Forest fires in France begin amid heatwave: 400 hectares burned due to BBQ on trailer
Official daily ‘forest-fire risk’ map is being published again for summer
Around 150 firefighters were mobilised to tackle a major fire in the Aude department
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The first major forest fire of the year were recorded this weekend across the south, as heatwave conditions covered the majority of France.
There were also several smaller fires in the south-west, including in the Gironde and Charente-Maritime departments.
A major fire in the Aude department that began on Sunday (June 29) was finally put out early Monday morning with 150 firefighters mobilised to tackle the blaze.
The fire burned over 400 hectares of land, and caused the evacuation of around 100 people from nearby areas including a camping site and an abbey. Nobody was injured.
The fire spread rapidly due to the heat and dry vegetation, leading to thick plumes of black and orange smoke in the area.
The cause of the fire was a barbecue that was being transported on the trailer of a car travelling along the A61 motorway, said Interior Minister Bruno Reteailleau.
According to initial reports, the man was returning from a market where he runs a stall, and did not realise the barbecue was still alight.
It let out several sparks along the route that started at least seven different fires.
The man has been arrested and is under investigation for the involuntary destruction of wood and forest by fire, said public prosecutor in Narbonne Eric Camous.
“It remains to be seen whether this was a human or technical error,” the prosecutor added.
Risk of forest fires high
High temperatures and a lack of rainfall mean the risk of forest fires is increasing.
Last week, several forests in the southern Bouches-du-Rhône department were closed due to the heightened wildfire risk.
Official state forecaster Météo France publishes a daily ‘forest fire’ risk map in the summer, which shows departments where the risk of a blaze is highest.
It uses the same formatting as the forecaster’s weather maps and currently shows a heightened risk of fire along the Mediterranean, and in parts of the Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire regions.
There is also an unofficial map showing recent and live fires across the country.
Major efforts to tackle blazes in 2024 saw the number of hectares destroyed by blazes drop compared to prior years.
However, the high temperatures already seen this year – three separate heatwaves alone in France in June – as well as the drought alerts already in place means it could be harder to fight blazes, as they may spread more easily.
Up to 90% of forest fires in France are caused by human activity – either intentional or accidental – including the dropping of cigarette butts, failing to clean up properly after a barbecue, or misuse of tools in the garden.
To help reduce the risk of summer fires, homeowners in certain areas are asked to clear undergrowth from their properties. This should be done by July 1, or owners face a fine.
