Emergency measures for atmospheric pollution in Moselle

The prefect of Moselle has taken emergency measures following a spike in atmospheric pollution of the "combustion" type.

The pollution episode is linked to a major forest fire currently ongoing in Belgium, whose smoke and odors have affected several areas of the department since Saturday, 15 August 2026.

No fires are currently taking place in Moselle. Emergency services must remain available for urgent situations. Do not unnecessarily overload emergency phone lines.

On 16 August 2026 at 11:00 a.m., ATMO Grand Est triggered the atmospheric pollution alert procedure for the department.

The prefect issued an order on Sunday, 16 August 2026, to activate emergency measures, effective from Monday, 17 August 2026.

The measures in effect on August 17, 2026, are as follows:

• Industrial sites responsible for the highest emissions implement the provisions set out in their ICPE authorization order in case of a level 1 pollution alert.
• Open burning of green waste is prohibited, except for public safety reasons. Exemptions from the departmental sanitary regulation, article 84, are suspended.
• Open burning of agricultural residues is prohibited until the end of the episode.
• Dust-generating works (e.g., demolition) may only be carried out if simultaneous watering is implemented to suppress dust.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• On motorways and roads with separated carriageways, the maximum permitted speed is reduced by 20 km/h, without falling below 70 km/h. This reduction does not apply to coaches and heavy goods vehicles (>3.5 t) on sections limited to 130 km/h.
• Speed and anti-pollution checks are intensified on the affected routes.
• Local authorities that have established emergency plans implement the most appropriate actions.

The pollution episode will continue for at least until Tuesday, 18 August 2026. Measures will be strengthened starting from this date:

• The maximum permitted speed for vehicles is reduced by 20 km/h, without falling below 70 km/h, across the entire road network of the department.
• Industrial sites responsible for the highest emissions implement the measures specified in their ICPE authorization order in the event of a level 2 pollution alert.

The following vehicles are not subject to speed reduction:

• vehicles belonging to law enforcement and civil security forces;
• vehicles belonging to fire and rescue services;
• emergency medical vehicles (SMUR-ATSU).

Measures will be lifted as soon as the alert procedure is lifted.

For more information on air quality and the evolution of the alert, visit the ATMO Grand Est website: http://www.atmo-grandest.eu/