Fire Risk, Forest Fires, and Drought

Updated on 13/07/2026

The Nièvre department is currently under an orange weather warning for forest fires due to intense soil drought.

[Forest Weather](https://meteofrance.com/meteo-des-forets "Forest Weather - meteofrance.com - Opens in a new window"), a system implemented by Météo-France since 2023, provides simplified department-level information to raise public awareness of fire risks and promote appropriate preventive behaviors. It does not account for the risk of vegetation fires, which involve more complex analysis based on multiple parameters.

Nine out of ten fires are of human origin, and most are caused by carelessness.

It provides a map showing each day the fire danger level by department for the next and following day.

This danger level is indicated on a four-color risk scale that is easy to identify:

* Green: low risk.

* Yellow: moderate risk.

* Orange: high risk.

* Red: very high risk.

Note: The Forest Weather forecast is based on observations and forecasts of several meteorological parameters (temperature, rainfall, wind strength, air humidity) and the dryness level of vegetation.

Reminder of good practices to prevent fires

* Fire and barbecue: I organize barbecues at home, on a terrace, and away from vegetation that could ignite.

* Cigarette and cigarette butt: I dispose of my cigarette butts in an ashtray. I do not smoke in the forest.

* Work and sparks: I carry out my work away from the lawn and dry grass, and I ensure a fire extinguisher is within reach in case of fire.

* Storage of flammable materials: I store flammable materials and products (wood, gas bottles) in a closed shed, located away from my home.

* Clearing of vegetation: Before summer, I clear vegetation around my house: I cut low vegetation and prune trees so they do not touch each other.

What to do in case of fire?

Alert

Witnessing the start of a fire, I raise the alarm by calling 112, 18, or 114 (for people with hearing impairments), and I try to locate the fire.

Protect myself

I take shelter in a cleared building while awaiting emergency services. The car is not a safe shelter, as it could catch fire.

Stay informed

I remain informed about the situation and comply with instructions from emergency services or the town hall.

Reminder

If you witness the start of a fire, contact 18 (firefighters), 112 (European emergency number), or 114 (emergency number for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals), and indicate the location of the fire by providing the address (or, if possible, use GPS location via a mobile phone).

**Drought and wildfire risk alert for vegetation and forest fires in Nièvre: regulations on use of fire and fireworks - regulations on agricultural and forestry work

Press releases and decrees on wildfire risk and fire use (prohibition of fireworks, vegetation fires, and collective barbecues until 16/07):

[Download CP_feu_artifice_09_07_2026

PDF - 0.06 Mb - 10/07/2026](/contenu/telechargement/25066/207439/file/2026_07_09_CP feux d'artifice.pdf)

[Download CP_Risque_Incendie_07_07_2026

PDF - 0.06 Mb - 07/07/2026](/contenu/telechargement/25003/206955/file/2026_07_07_CP_risque_incendie.pdf)

• Order establishing regulations on the use of fire and prevention of fire risk in the department, effective from 07/07 to 16/07/2026 inclusive.
• Order establishing temporary restrictions on agricultural and forestry work for the prevention of fire risk in the department, effective from 07/07 to 16/07/2026 inclusive.

Documents listed in the article

* [Download CP_Risque_Incendie_07_07_2026

PDF - 0.06 Mb - 07/07/2026](/contenu/telechargement/25003/206955/file/2026_07_07_CP_risque_incendie.pdf)

* [Download CP_feu_artifice_09_07_2026

PDF - 0.06 Mb - 10/07/2026](/contenu/telechargement/25066/207439/file/2026_07_09_CP feux d'artifice.pdf)