What are the right actions to avoid starting a wildfire?

Droughts, as well as heat waves, are becoming more frequent and intense in France as a result of climate change. When the vegetation is dried up by a lack of rain, a fire starts and it can spread quickly. You can help prevent wildfires and wildfires by being vigilant.

What preventive measures should be taken?

In order to avoid any fire start, it is important to:

• learn about fire hazards the department you are in (including with the Forest weather implemented by Météo-France);
• throw your butts into an ashtrayand, during periods of fire risk, not to smoke in woods and forests;
• to store your flammable materials and products (wood, gas bottles...) in a closed shelteraway from any dwelling;
• carry out your work and crafts activities away from a lawn or dry grass, and to have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water at hand in case of fire;
• organize your barbecues on a terrace which is not made of wood and away from the vegetation;
• to clear your land as well as the area around your house before the summer season, and remove vegetable debris from roofs and gutters.

What to do in case of fire?

If you witness a shooting start, it is recommended:

• to locate the fire without endangering yourself ;
• to alert the emergency services by calling 112 (European emergency number), the 18 (firefighters) or the 114 (number dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing people);
• to seek shelter in a brushed house Waiting for emergency response (the car is not a safe shelter because it could burn);
• retract your garden hose before the fire arrives (it can be used after the fire to extinguish the last embers), and leave your gate open to facilitate firefighters’ access if necessary;
• clog the air vents and doorways of the dwelling in which you are staying with wet cloths to prevent toxic fumes and flames from entering the dwelling;
• Wet cloth over your nose and mouth to protect you from smoke before helping others do the same;
• to stay informed of the situation, and to follow the instructions given by the emergency services or the town hall.

What are the penalties for a person who causes a fire?

If you start a fire in a wood, forest or heath, you are at risk criminal sanctions.

• In the case of an unintentional breach of an obligation of prudence or security, the maximum penalty is 2 years in prison and 30 000 € fine (in the case of death of one or more persons, the maximum penalty is increased to 7 years in prison and 100 000 € fine).
• In case of a manifestly deliberate breach of an obligation of prudence or safety, the maximum penalty is 3 years imprisonment and 45 000 € fine (in case of death of one or more persons, the maximum penalty is increased to 10 years imprisonment and 150 000 € fine).