Forest Fires in France – What Does This Mean for Your Vacation?

On this page, you’ll find up-to-date information, practical tips, and answers to frequently asked questions about wildfires and forest fires in France.

Your safety is our top priority

A relaxing and carefree vacation starts with good information. That’s why Team Villa is closely monitoring the situation regarding wildfires and forest fires in France.

We are in contact with the owners of our vacation rentals and the local property managers. If a wildfire could affect your stay or the accessibility of your accommodation, we will contact you personally as soon as possible.

Fortunately, that’s not necessary in most cases. France is a large country, and wildfires and forest fires are often located quite a distance from vacation destinations.

Where can I find the latest information?

Always use online maps as supplementary information. The instructions from the French authorities, emergency services, and FR-Alert take precedence.

These websites provide information about wildfires and forest fires in France. You can also select a different language at the top of the website.

Important Phone Numbers

In case of immediate danger:

112 – European emergency number
18 – French Fire Department

Call only if it is truly an emergency. Provide your location as accurately as possible.

Forest Fires in France During the Summer

During the summer months, wildfires and forest fires occur regularly in southern France. Due to high temperatures, drought, and strong winds, fires can sometimes spread rapidly.

A wildfire in one location does not automatically mean that other areas will be affected. Team Villa’s vacation rentals are spread across various regions in France.

If a wildfire affects your lodging, accessibility, or safety, we will contact you personally.

We are monitoring the situation based on information from the French authorities, local managers, and the owners of our vacation rentals.

Will my vacation still go ahead as planned?

In most cases, your vacation will go ahead as planned.

A wildfire or forest fire somewhere in France does not automatically mean that your vacation home or the immediate surrounding area is in danger.

The distance from the fire, the wind direction, the accessibility of the area, and the instructions from local authorities are key factors in this regard.

If there are any specific implications for your lodging, access routes, or your safety, we will contact you.

How is Team Villa monitoring the situation?

Team Villa monitors developments and stays in touch with the owner and the local manager of the vacation rental.

They are located close to the lodging and are usually in the best position to assess what’s going on locally.

In addition, we are monitoring the latest information on wildfires and forest fires, as well as updates from the French authorities.

If necessary, we will notify you personally.

Should I keep monitoring the situation myself?

You don’t have to keep track of all the news yourself all the time.

It might be a good idea to check the current situation from time to time during your stay, especially if smoke or a fire is reported in the area.

Keep your phone handy and watch for messages from the French authorities.

How do I know if there is an immediate danger?

France uses the official FR-Alert warning system.

Through this system, French authorities can send an alert to cell phones located in a specific high-risk area.

An FR-Alert contains information about the danger and instructions on what to do. Among other things, the system can be used in the event of wildfires and other situations in which people must act immediately.

Do I need to sign up for FR-Alert?

No. You don’t need to sign up, and you don’t need to install an app.

FR-Alert operates automatically through French cellular networks. Visitors from abroad can also receive an alert when their cell phone is connected to a cell tower in the relevant area.

Therefore, make sure that:

Your phone is turned on;
your battery is sufficiently charged;
Roaming in France has been enabled;
emergency alerts on your phone are not turned off.

How does FR-Alert know where I am?

FR-Alert does not use GPS, and the French government does not have access to your exact location through this system.

The alert is broadcast via cell towers in a selected area. Phones that are connected to those cell towers at that moment receive the alert.

What should I do when I receive an FR-Alert?

Read the report immediately and in its entirety.

The warning states:

what the danger is;
the area where the danger applies;
what steps you need to take;
where you can find additional information.

Always follow the instructions in the alert and the guidance provided by French authorities and emergency services.

Do not wait for a message from Team Villa if the authorities tell you to take immediate action.

For example, an FR-Alert may indicate that you:

must stay indoors;
doors, windows, and shutters must be closed;
must avoid a certain area;
must prepare for evacuation;
must leave the area immediately via a designated route.

I see or smell smoke. What should I do?

Smoke can be carried by the wind over long distances. Therefore, seeing or smelling smoke does not automatically mean that the fire is close to your vacation home.

Stay calm and assess the current situation. Keep your phone handy and watch for messages from the authorities.

If you are inside a home and there is a lot of smoke in the area:

Go inside;
Close doors, windows, and shutters;
Turn off the ventilation or air conditioning when it is drawing in outside air;
Keep children and pets indoors;
Follow the official instructions.

In case of immediate danger, call the European emergency number 112.

I can actually see a fire. What should I do?

If you see a fire or a wildfire starting, immediately alert emergency services by calling 112.

Please provide the following information as clearly as possible:

where you are;
wherever you see the fire;
how big the fire is, approximately;
in which direction the fire or smoke is moving;
whether any people, homes, or vehicles are in danger.

Do not put yourself in danger, and do not try to fight a wildfire on your own.

When should I evacuate?

Evacuate if the French authorities or emergency services instruct you to do so.

Do not leave on your own initiative if the roads may be blocked by fire, smoke, or emergency services.

The official evacuation route may differ from the route indicated by your navigation system.

Leave your home only when ordered to do so by the authorities, and do not return after an evacuation until you have received official permission to do so.

What should I take with me during an evacuation?

Bring only the personal belongings you need so you can leave quickly:

identification card or passport;
cell phone;
charger and power bank;
essential medications;
bank card and wallet;
car keys;
glasses or contact lenses;
drinking water;
Essential items for young children;
Essential items for pets.

Lock up the house when it’s safe to do so, but don’t waste any time if you need to leave immediately.

What should I do when a road is closed?

Never ignore a roadblock, and do not drive past police, fire trucks, barriers, or no-entry signs.

Use only the route designated by the authorities or emergency services.

In an emergency, do not rely solely on Google Maps or another navigation system, as temporary road closures may not yet be visible there.

Let Team Villa know as soon as you are safe and have the opportunity to do so.

Can Team Villa decide for me whether I need to evacuate?

No. Only the French authorities and emergency services can determine whether an area needs to be evacuated.

Team Villa can provide you with information, maintain contact with the owner and local manager, and offer practical assistance whenever possible.

Official safety instructions from the police, fire department, prefecture, and FR-Alert always take precedence.

What happens if I can’t get to my vacation rental?

If a property is temporarily inaccessible due to a wildfire or an official road closure, we will assess the situation together with the owner and the local manager.

We then assess which solution is feasible and appropriate at that time. This can vary depending on the situation and depends, among other things, on:

the duration of the closure;
the instructions from the authorities;
the time of arrival;
the availability of alternative accommodations;
the terms and conditions of the reservation and any insurance coverage.

We will contact you personally regarding this matter.

What happens if I have to leave my accommodations?

If the authorities determine that you must leave the accommodation, your safety is always the top priority.

First, go to the designated safe location and follow the instructions of emergency responders.

After that, as soon as it is safe to do so, please contact Team Villa.

Together with the owner and the local manager, we’ll assess the situation and discuss the next steps.

Can I cancel my vacation if there’s a fire somewhere in France?

A wildfire or forest fire in France is not, in and of itself, grounds for canceling a stay free of charge.

Whether a cancellation or change is possible depends on:

the specific situation at your vacation home;
accessibility;
official measures;
the booking terms and conditions;
your travel or cancellation insurance.

If you have any doubts, please contact Team Villa before deciding on your own not to travel.

How can I prepare well in advance?

A few simple preparations can make a big difference in an emergency:

Make sure your phone is sufficiently charged;
Bring a fully charged power bank;
Enable roaming and mobile data in France;
Save Team Villa’s phone number;
Save the address and location of the vacation rental in your phone;
Make sure your passports, medications, and car keys are within easy reach;
Keep your car’s fuel tank or battery charged;
Park your car so that you can leave easily;
Keep emergency alerts enabled on your phone;
When you arrive, check where the main access roads are located.

How can I help prevent wildfires?

Many wildfires are caused by human activity. Therefore, please be extra careful during dry and hot periods.

Always follow local prohibitions and regulations, and:

Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground or out of your car;
Do not light an open fire;
Do not use a fire pit;
Barbecues are allowed only when and where they are expressly permitted;
Do not set off fireworks;
Do not park with a hot exhaust pipe over dry grass;
Do not use machinery that could produce sparks in a dry environment;
Do not leave glass or trash behind in nature.

Local regulations may vary by municipality, department, and risk period. Therefore, always follow the on-site instructions.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the situation at your vacation rental before or during your vacation, please contact Team Villa:

Tel. +31263628811
Tel. +31 616 451 678
info@villa.nl

In case of immediate danger, always call 112 first and follow the instructions of the French authorities.

Saskia Friso – Team Villa.nl