Forest and vegetation fire prevention: Extension of the fire ban until 30 September 2026

Updated on 21/09/2026

Unfavorable weather conditions at the end of summer continue to maintain a high risk of forest fire in the department.

To limit accidental fires, particularly those caused by burning vegetation and work generating sparks, the Prefect of Gard has decided, by prefectural order, to extend the ban on the use of fire from 16 to 30 September 2026:

* Prohibition of open fire: All fires (cigarettes, barbecues, firecrackers, fireworks, etc.) are prohibited in wooded areas, heaths, and garrigues, and within a 200-meter radius around these areas (prefectural order regarding the use of fire: <https://www.gard.gouv.fr/Actions-de-l-Etat/Securite-et-protection-de-la-population/Risques/Gestion-du-risque-feu-de-foret/Interdiction-d-emploi-du-feu>).

* Prohibition of use of certain equipment: Works generating heat and sparks, whether carried out by agricultural, forestry, [BTP](/Outils/Glossaire/(namefilter)/Public Works and Construction, craft, or private activities, are regulated (and sometimes prohibited) depending on the daily wildfire risk level within the same perimeter of wooded areas, heaths, and garrigues, and within a 200-meter radius around them.

* Access prohibited to forest areas, bivouacking, and wild camping: regulating population density in forest areas is a major concern when the risk level is high, both to facilitate firefighters' intervention, reduce the risk of fire ignition, and limit population exposure.

Responsibility for a fire, whether intentional or accidental, is systematically investigated and may be pursued in case of fire. Penalties may reach up to 3 years in prison and a fine of 45,000 € in case of an accidental fire capable of exposing people to bodily harm or causing irreversible environmental damage.

##### Daily forest fire risk map

Each day during the summer season, a forest fire risk map is published the day before for the following day. It indicates the risk level as well as the restrictions applied for each risk level.

There are 4 risk levels:

* White, low risk: work permitted, access to forested areas permitted,

* Yellow, moderate risk: work permitted with a fire extinguishing system in place, access to forested areas permitted,

* Orange, high risk: work permitted only between 05:00 and 13:00, access to forested areas discouraged,

* Red, severe risk: work prohibited, access to forested areas prohibited.

This map, active since 9 June, is available at the following link: <https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/gard/index.html>

The daily wildfire risk map, updated every evening at 6 p.m. on the Gard prefecture's website, indicates the level of regulation for works, camping, and wild camping.

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