Wildfire updates July 15: blazes continue across France

Firefighters continued to tackle blazes across France overnight, as a number of wildfires continue to rage and new fires were recorded in the east and south.

The two fires near Fontainebleau forest (Seine-et-Marne) that began on Sunday are now contained (fixé), meaning they have stopped spreading but continue to burn.

More than 2,000 hectares combined have been burned as a result of that blaze, but firefighters hope they will be able to bring it under control and put it out today (July 15).

Arrests continue in relation to several fires, and a total of six people have been arrested re fires in Seine-et-Marne.

Detainees include a volunteer firefighter who admitted to setting twigs alight using gasoline and a lighter in the forest.

Another detainee said they accidentally started a fire after dropping a cigarette near the scene of the second fire.

Across France more than 32,000 hectares have been burned since the start of 2026. This exceeds the total area destroyed during the whole of the 2025 wildfire season, said Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

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 last night include at Val-de-Virieu (Isère), Montcusel (Jura), and Arrien-en-Bethmale (Ariège).

The maps below show active forest fires at 08:00 on Wednesday.

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 lifted all red-level heatwave alerts this morning, and the arrival of major storms across France should douse vegetation, reducing the risk of blazes.

In its forest fire risk map, Météo France has placed 36 departments on a heightened orange warning for forest fire risk on Wednesday. 

By Thursday however, once storms have made their way across the country, only four departments remain at this heightened risk level. 

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 Mr Nuñez, urging people to be extremely cautious with cigarettes, barbecues and any activity that could create sparks.

The drought situation is also worsening, with 97 departments now subject to water restrictions, including 41 at crisis level.

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