This Sunday, 19 July 2026, the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments are placed under red alert for forest fires according to Météo-France, a situation that is keeping the fire service and emergency services extremely busy. Access to woodland areas is strictly prohibited in these two departments, where weather conditions are increasing the risk of fire.
An unprecedented mobilisation of emergency services
In response to this highest-level alert, the authorities have put in place exceptional measures. According to Ici.fr, in the Var, 1,200 firefighters have been mobilised, including 600 specifically dedicated to fighting forest fires. Around 100 vehicles are pre-positioned throughout the department, ready to respond at the slightest sign of a fire. Two Canadair Helicopters stationed at the Hyères base and five water-bombing helicopters make up the rest of the air assets, whilst two DASH aircraft continuously patrol the area to detect and report any anomalies.
The Var Prefecture has also called upon 116 firefighters called in as reinforcements from other departments, illustrating the scale of the mobilisation. In the Bouches-du-Rhône, although access to all mountain ranges is prohibited, two areas – the Concors massif and the Trévaresse range – benefit from slightly relaxed access rules, under close supervision.
Mountain ranges under close surveillance
In the Var, three mountain ranges are particularly exposed and have been designated as extreme vigilance : Les Maures, the Centre-Var and the Estérel. These areas, known for their dense vegetation and high numbers of summer visitors, are under close surveillance. The fire service stresses the importance of complying with access restrictions and urges the public to report any outbreak of fire immediately.
This red alert comes against a backdrop of persistent drought and high temperatures – conditions that are conducive to the rapid spread of flames. The authorities are urging the public to exercise the utmost caution, emphasising that prevention remains the best defence against fires.