France Wildfires Map
France Wildfires Map tracks live active wildfires, satellite thermal hotspots, and smoke dispersion across France in real time. Monitor verified incident perimeters, containment status, and weather-driven spread risk updated continuously using authoritative satellite radiometry from NASA FIRMS (VIIRS 375m & MODIS) and Copernicus EFFIS.
Loading Satellite Wildfire Telemetry...
Streaming active thermal detections from NASA FIRMS VIIRS & MODIS and Copernicus EFFIS.
Wildfires in France today
So far in 2026, 62,000 hectares have burned in France — 145% above the 20-year average.
HOW MUCH BURNS IN FRANCE EACH YEAR
+145% ▲62,000 hectares so far this year, 145% above the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, France is the 2nd furthest above its own average.
EFFIS Copernicus · data as of 1 OctIn 2026, France has recorded over 24,500 hectares burned across maritime pine plantations in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Mediterranean garrigue, and Corsican mountain ridges.
The French Sécurité Civile and departmental fire services (SDIS) maintain high readiness across southern zones, operating Canadair CL-415 and Dash-8 Q400 air tankers with retardant capabilities.
Named fires in France
Detailed tactical reports with satellite radiometry, burned hectares, and suppression containment status.
| Incident / Sector | Status | Burned Footprint | Containment | Thermal FRP | Satellite Radiometer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landes de Gascogne Pine FireGironde · Nouvelle-Aquitaine • Jul 18 Intense crown fire in resin-rich maritime pine stands fueled by dry northwesterly winds. | Active | 3,200 hectares7,900 acres | 75% Contained | 140 MW | NOAA-20 VIIRS |
| Corsica Alta Rocca Ridge IncidentCorse-du-Sud · Corsica • Aug 12 Steep granite slope blaze successfully contained by ground firefighters and aerial water drops. | Ended | 1,450 hectares3,580 acres | 100% Contained | Cold Footprint | MODIS Aqua |
In France, wildfire operations are coordinated by the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Civile et de la Gestion des Crises (DGSCGC) under the Ministry of the Interior.
About wildfires in France
France's wildfire exposure is traditionally centered on the Mediterranean arc and Corsica, but climate shifts have expanded severe risk northward into Gironde, Brittany, and the Loire Valley.
The Landes forest, Europe's largest cultivated maritime pine plantation, contains highly combustible resin-rich timber capable of generating explosive crown runs under heatwave conditions.
Sécurité Civile Aerial Fleet
National aerial firefighting fleet of 12 Canadair CL-415s and 8 Dash-8 retardant drop planes.
Sapeurs-Pompiers (SDIS)
Over 250,000 professional and volunteer firefighters equipped with specialized forest fire CCF trucks.
Météo-France Météo des Forêts
Daily national wildfire danger index mapping danger levels from low (green) to very high (red).
Today's situation
Elevated fire risk remains active across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine due to low relative humidity and localized wind corridors.
France wildfire season
France's summer fire vigilance period peaks from early July through late August, with secondary spring scrub burning risks in the Pyrenees.
Notable wildfires in history
Landiras & La Teste-de-Buch Mega-Fires
GirondeMassif des Maures Disaster
Var, French RivieraMain causes & risk factors
Mistral & Tramontane Wind Corridors
Dry, violent northern winds that funnel down the Rhône Valley and Languedoc, gusting up to 80 km/h and rapidly driving spot fires.
Monoculture Maritime Pine Stands
Even-aged pine plantations with high resin content that permit rapid crown-to-crown fire propagation.
Safety & preparedness
Call 18 or 112 Immediately
Dial 18 for Sapeurs-Pompiers fire emergencies or 112 for the universal European emergency service.
Clear 50m Defensible Space (OLD)
Under French law, property owners in forest areas must clear vegetation within 50 meters of dwellings (Obligations Légales de Débroussaillement).
France Fire Dispatch: 18 / 112
Direct connection to the Sapeurs-Pompiers emergency dispatch center (SDIS).
Frequently asked questions
Key facts about satellite radiometry, fire seasons, and safety preparedness in France.