Wildfire risk

Unfortunately the Var is among the French departments most affected by forest fires.

• A climate conducive to wildfires: hot, dry summers, scarce rainfall and strong winds such as the mistral all contribute to the rapid spread of flames.
• Highly flammable vegetation: Aleppo pines, cork oaks and maquis are some of the typical Mediterranean species that can easily catch fire during periods of drought.
• Varied terrain: hills, valleys and rugged areas make firefighting operations difficult and help the fire to spread quickly.

• Critical season: from June to September, with the peak in July and August.
• High-risk areas: the Maures, Estérel and Calanques mountains, as well as wooded coastal zones.

Alert levels:

• Green: Access and work authorised
• Yellow: Access authorised, work permitted with appropriate fire prevention and extinguishing measures, under the responsibility of the site manager.
• Orange: Access not recommended, work likely to cause a fire is prohibited, except for agricultural, forestry or public-interest work between 5am and 1pm with fire-fighting equipment on site.
• Red: Access prohibited outside ZAPEF (public access zones in forests), all work forbidden. Specific access conditions apply on the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles.
• Extreme Red: Access and work prohibited in all forest areas, extreme vigilance required.

Use the ‘FOSIVA’ application to check the forest access map every day from mid-June to mid-September to find out which areas are open or closed.

• Make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished, and never dispose of them on the ground, especially not in forests or close to dry vegetation.
• Only use barbecues in authorised designated areas. Monitor the fire at all times and make sure you have plenty of water to put the fire out after use.
• Avoid using fireworks, sky lanterns and other flammable objects during periods of drought, as they are highly dangerous.
• Before setting off along hiking trails, make sure you’re fully aware of the regulations and any prohibitions issued by local authorities, especially during periods when the risk of fires is high, and check the access map for forest areas.

For the locals:

• Do not set fire to vegetation during high-risk periods, even in your own garden.
• Vegetation must be cut back in areas less than 200 m from woods or forest areas.

• Do not venture into the areas in question, and do not take risks.
• Unless there is an emergency, do not block emergency services telephone lines.
• When driving, if you come across flames, do not get out of the car.
• Keep up to date with the latest news on @PrefetduVar social media accounts and do not spread false information.

Every little counts: respect the rules, talk to your loved ones about it, take part in local prevention campaigns.
There are many associations, such as the DFCI (Forest Fire Protection Policy), working all year round to maintain the forests and raise awareness of their protection.

Protecting the Var means preserving our living environment and natural heritage for future generations.