Wildfire updates July 16: fires 'causing most strain since end of World War Two' on France

France "has never faced so many episodes of fire-related strain across the country since the end of the World War Two," said President Emmanuel Macron on a visit to blaze-stricken Fontainebleau today (July 16).

Several fires, including two main blazes, in the forests near Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne) have burned around 2,000 hectares of land in the largest ever blaze to hit the Île-de-France region.

The main blaze is contained (fixé), but is yet to be put out. 

More than 35,000 hectares of land has already been impacted by wildfires this summer across France, says the government.

While this is not the largest in a single year, successive heatwaves helped contribute to an extremely early start to the season, and more blazes are expected across the summer.

The president also referenced the number of arrests across France in relation to wildfires.

"Here, as everywhere in France, there will be zero tolerance [for arsonists]… because it is obviously our national territory that is under attack whenever a fire breaks out," he said.

At least 60 people have been arrested across France on suspicion of starting recent wildfires, including two in relation to the blaze at Fontainebleau.

This includes a volunteer firefighter found dousing twigs in gasoline near the scene of one of the main fires in the area. Another detainee said they accidentally started a fire after dropping a cigarette near the scene of a second fire.

Other major blazes still impacting the country include the fire at Die (Drôme), which has burned more than 4,400 hectares.

Started by a lightning strike, the fire is now contained but not yet fully put out.

New fires reported in the last 24 hours include at Brugheas (Allier), Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), Peyriac-de-Mer (Aude), and Trouy (Cher).

The maps below show active forest fires at 14:00 on Thursday by feuxdeforet.fr.

Red alerts signal ongoing fires, orange those that have been reported but not yet confirmed by the website, and black fires that have recently been put out.

You can use the feuxdeforet.fr map for live updates of fires across France.

Calmer days ahead?

The third major heatwave in six weeks has been a major factor increasing the risk of wildfires across France.

Intense heat dries out vegetation, and changes in human activity (more time spent outside, barbecues, errors due to heat-induced fatigue etc) all risk contributing to the start of a fire.

A lack of rain has also exacerbated conditions, keeping vegetation extra dry, and in the south strong-blowing Mistral and Tramontane winds have helped spread cinders far and wide during major fires. 

However, state forecaster Météo France has now lifted all red-level heatwave alerts - and by Friday only 16 departments will be facing orange warnings - and the arrival of major storms across France should douse vegetation, reducing the risk of blazes.

Human activity blamed for most fires

Authorities continue to warn that human activity remains the main cause of wildfires.

"Nine out of 10 fires are of human origin," said Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, urging people to be extremely cautious with cigarettes, barbecues and any activity that could create sparks.

The drought situation is also worsening, with 99 departments now subject to water restrictions, including 43 at crisis level (as of July 16).

For real-time information on ongoing wildfires in France, visit the monitoring service feuxdeforet.fr.