The France wildfires 2026 have destroyed nearly 40,000 hectares of forests and vegetation since the beginning of the year, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The latest figures highlight one of the country’s most severe wildfire seasons in recent years as hot weather and prolonged drought continue to fuel blazes across several regions.
Speaking to France Inter radio on Monday, Nunez said just under 40,000 hectares had burned nationwide since January. He noted that the total has already exceeded the entire area destroyed during 2025 and is also higher than the figure recorded at the same stage in 2022, a year widely regarded as an exceptional wildfire season.
Authorities have arrested 111 people in connection with fires reported across France. According to the interior minister, many of those detained admitted responsibility for starting the fires. He added that around nine out of every 10 wildfire incidents were caused by human activity, whether deliberate or accidental.
Hundreds of firefighters continued battling active blazes on Monday, particularly in the southern Var region and on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Emergency crews remained on high alert as dry conditions and strong summer temperatures increased the risk of new fires.
Nunez warned that southeastern and southwestern France would continue facing a significant wildfire threat throughout the week. However, he said emergency services currently have adequate resources to respond to the growing number of incidents across the country.
France operates an aerial firefighting fleet of nearly 70 aircraft, including 12 Canadair water bombers, Dash aircraft, helicopters, and additional firefighting planes managed by regional rescue services. The government has also ordered four new Canadair aircraft, with deliveries expected in 2028 and 2032.
The France wildfires 2026 continue to raise concerns over climate-related disasters and public safety. Meanwhile, Meteo-France has placed 27 departments under a high forest fire risk alert as authorities urge residents to remain cautious during the ongoing heatwave.
