What to do if you see a wildfire in France
France has already seen major wildfires this summer and firefighters have warned that much of the country is 'like a tinderbox' - so here's what to do if you see a wildfire and some tips on how to prevent them.
Between 2007 and 2018 an average of 4,040 fires a year in France destroyed 11,117 hectares of woodland every year, mainly in southern areas and on the island of Corsica.
The French government offers a set of guidelines to follow if you spot a forest fire, and there are other things you can do to keep informed and stay safe.
How to prevent forest fires
According to the French fire service, 37 percent of fires are arson, and a further 30 percent are caused accidentally by individuals.
You should avoid starting fires or barbecues in or near woodland, and you should never throw away cigarette butts into the woods or out of the car window.
You should also be careful where you're parking your car, because heat from the exhaust pipe can start a fire on dry grass.
READ ALSO Emergency in France - who to call and what to say
Firefighters walk in a burnt forest after a wildfire in Auriol, southeastern France, on April 7th, 2021. Photo: Nicolas TUCAT / AFP.
Be prepared
If you are going to be walking near a forest during the summer, there are certain precautions you can take.
First of all, check the weather conditions before you go. The combination of wind and heat is most likely to aggravate forest fires, and the website of the local préfecture should inform you about any particular risks in the area.
The préfecture will also say if any areas are closed to the public because of a risk of fires, and more generally you should stick to delineated footpaths.
When you set off, you should let people know which route you plan to take, and make sure you have a mobile phone in case you need to contact the emergency services.
What to do if you see a forest fire
If you witness the beginnings of a fire or even just smoke, you are advised to call the fire service (number 18, or the Europe-wide 112 number), and to give detailed descriptions of the location and potential access for emergency vehicles.
If the fire is still small, you can try putting it out using earth, sand or water.
You shouldn't leave your car if you come across flames, and should try to park in an open space. If the fire is blocking the road, you should stop and remain inside with the windows closed, and turn on your lights so emergency services will be able to see you.
If you are on foot you should flee and seek shelter behind a rock or wall.
If possible, you should breathe through a wet cloth.
If there is a forest fire near your house
If you live near a forest where there is a fire, you should spray the house and surrounding area with water as a precaution, and close all windows, shutters, chimneys and air vents. You should then place wet fabric at the foot of doors, and cover your nose with a wet cloth if there is smoke.
You should also leave your gate open so the fire service can enter, and follow any guidance about evacuation.
The safest action is to remain inside your home unless instructed otherwise. If possible, tune into a local radio station to follow the latest guidelines.
A man uses a garden hose to drench his house before being evacuated in La Couronne, near Marseille, on August 4th, 2020. Photo: Xavier LEOTY / AFP.
General guidelines if you live near a forest
Above is what to do when there is a forest fire near your house, but there are also steps you should take to prevent fires.
If you live in or near a forest, you need to regularly clear away the areas surrounding your house, and risk a €1,500 fine if you fail to do so. This means clearing your garden and a perimeter of 50 metres around your house if you live within 200 metres of a forest. Dead trees must be removed.
You should also avoid plastic gutters, and not stock wood or fuel near your house.
You should avoid planting things close to the house, and trim back trees so the branches do not come within three metres of the building.
If you have a swimming pool, the French government recommends purchasing a motor pump with a long enough hose to protect your property.
Useful vocabulary
Une incendie - a fire
Les feux de forêt - forest fires or wildfires
Les pompiers - firefighters
Evacuer - to evacuate
Je voudrais signaler un feu de forêt - I would like to report a forest fire
Je vois de la fumée - I can see smoke
Est-ce qu'il y a un risque de feu de forêt ? - Is there a risk of wildfires? (to ask in the town, accommodation or campsite where you are staying)
Au secours ! Au feu ! - Help! Fire!
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Between 2007 and 2018 an average of 4,040 fires a year in France destroyed 11,117 hectares of woodland every year, mainly in southern areas and on the island of Corsica.
The French government offers a set of guidelines to follow if you spot a forest fire, and there are other things you can do to keep informed and stay safe.
How to prevent forest fires
According to the French fire service, 37 percent of fires are arson, and a further 30 percent are caused accidentally by individuals.
You should avoid starting fires or barbecues in or near woodland, and you should never throw away cigarette butts into the woods or out of the car window.
You should also be careful where you're parking your car, because heat from the exhaust pipe can start a fire on dry grass.
READ ALSO Emergency in France - who to call and what to say
Be prepared
If you are going to be walking near a forest during the summer, there are certain precautions you can take.
First of all, check the weather conditions before you go. The combination of wind and heat is most likely to aggravate forest fires, and the website of the local préfecture should inform you about any particular risks in the area.
The préfecture will also say if any areas are closed to the public because of a risk of fires, and more generally you should stick to delineated footpaths.
When you set off, you should let people know which route you plan to take, and make sure you have a mobile phone in case you need to contact the emergency services.
What to do if you see a forest fire
If you witness the beginnings of a fire or even just smoke, you are advised to call the fire service (number 18, or the Europe-wide 112 number), and to give detailed descriptions of the location and potential access for emergency vehicles.
If the fire is still small, you can try putting it out using earth, sand or water.
You shouldn't leave your car if you come across flames, and should try to park in an open space. If the fire is blocking the road, you should stop and remain inside with the windows closed, and turn on your lights so emergency services will be able to see you.
If you are on foot you should flee and seek shelter behind a rock or wall.
If possible, you should breathe through a wet cloth.
If there is a forest fire near your house
If you live near a forest where there is a fire, you should spray the house and surrounding area with water as a precaution, and close all windows, shutters, chimneys and air vents. You should then place wet fabric at the foot of doors, and cover your nose with a wet cloth if there is smoke.
You should also leave your gate open so the fire service can enter, and follow any guidance about evacuation.
The safest action is to remain inside your home unless instructed otherwise. If possible, tune into a local radio station to follow the latest guidelines.
General guidelines if you live near a forest
Above is what to do when there is a forest fire near your house, but there are also steps you should take to prevent fires.
If you live in or near a forest, you need to regularly clear away the areas surrounding your house, and risk a €1,500 fine if you fail to do so. This means clearing your garden and a perimeter of 50 metres around your house if you live within 200 metres of a forest. Dead trees must be removed.
You should also avoid plastic gutters, and not stock wood or fuel near your house.
You should avoid planting things close to the house, and trim back trees so the branches do not come within three metres of the building.
If you have a swimming pool, the French government recommends purchasing a motor pump with a long enough hose to protect your property.
Useful vocabulary
Une incendie - a fire
Les feux de forêt - forest fires or wildfires
Les pompiers - firefighters
Evacuer - to evacuate
Je voudrais signaler un feu de forêt - I would like to report a forest fire
Je vois de la fumée - I can see smoke
Est-ce qu'il y a un risque de feu de forêt ? - Is there a risk of wildfires? (to ask in the town, accommodation or campsite where you are staying)
Au secours ! Au feu ! - Help! Fire!
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