Forest fire prevention in the Vosges

Forest fires in the Vosges are mainly of human origin, with 9 out of 10 fires attributed to human actions.

Criminal and civil liability: perpetrators of fires that have caused fires or accidents are fully responsible, even if the fires were authorized.

Simple actions to prevent fires:

• Never discard cigarette butts on the ground or out of the window of your vehicle.
• Do not light any fire in the forest or within 200 meters of woods or forests, even for a barbecue.
• Postpone work producing sparks (brush clearing, grinding, welding) during periods of high risk.
• Avoid parking your vehicle on dry grass, as the exhaust pipe can trigger a fire.

In case of a fire outbreak:

• Call 18 or 112 immediately.
• Specify the exact location of the fire.
• Move away from the area and facilitate access for emergency services.

New Prefectural Decree No. 172/2026:

• Replaces the decrees of 24 March 1977 and March 2025.
• Defines all authorizations, prohibitions, and exceptions related to the use of fire in the department.
• In case of extreme weather conditions, a supplementary decree may impose stricter measures.

Details of the decree:

• Only owners are authorized to light fires.
• Prohibitions include:
• Fires in forests or within 200 m of wooded areas, from 15 March to 30 September.
• Burning of green waste.
• Agricultural burning.
• Recreational and festive fires.
• Prevention of fire risk related to vegetation and forests.

Downloadable documents:

• Prefectural decree no. 172/2026 and annexes 1 to 5.
• Glossary – definitions (Annex 3).
• Application forms for authorization for festive fires (Annex 4), forage burning (Annex 4 bis), and green waste burning (Annex 5).
• Requirements for authorized burning.
• Summary guide for fire risk prevention (A4, A3, web format) – updated on 23/07/2026.
• Flyer on fire risk prevention for mechanized works (ONF).
• Summary of measures according to risk level (Annex AP) – updated on 27/07/2026.