Nearly 40,000 hectares of forests and vegetation have burned across France since the start of 2026, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said. The damage has already exceeded last year’s total. Authorities continue battling severe wildfire conditions across several regions.
Speaking to France Inter radio, Nunez said the burned area has also surpassed the level recorded by this stage in 2022. He described 2022 as an exceptional wildfire season. Hundreds of firefighters remain deployed to contain active blazes.
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According to Nunez, authorities have arrested 111 people in connection with fires nationwide. He said many suspects admitted responsibility for the incidents. Moreover, nine out of 10 fires resulted from human activity, either deliberate or accidental.
Meanwhile, firefighters are focusing efforts on major wildfires in the southern Var region and Corsica. Nunez warned that southeastern and southwestern France will face continued wildfire risks this week. However, he said available emergency resources remain sufficient.
France operates an aerial firefighting fleet of nearly 70 aircraft to combat large-scale blazes. The fleet includes 12 Canadair water bombers, eight Dash aircraft, and 12 firefighting helicopters. Additionally, departmental fire services operate around 30 more aircraft.
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The government has also ordered four additional Canadair aircraft to strengthen future wildfire response. Two aircraft are expected in 2028, while the remaining two will arrive in 2032. Therefore, officials aim to improve long-term emergency preparedness.
Meanwhile, prolonged drought and persistent hot weather continue increasing wildfire dangers across France. Meteo-France placed 27 departments under high forest fire risk on Monday. Authorities urged continued vigilance as firefighting operations remain underway.