Since the start of this year, approximately 98,000 hectares have burned across France, according to the National Forest Office (ONF). This is the highest level recorded since 1976 and is five times higher than the average for the past twenty years. The fires, numbering around 21,000, have affected not only forests but also agricultural areas and natural spaces. Juliette Faivre, director of the ONF Ile-de-France Est agency, called the situation "exceptional," though she noted that 97% of fires are extinguished before they cover more than 10 hectares. The ONF is currently refining its data to provide a more accurate assessment in the coming weeks. When focusing solely on forest areas, 76,000 hectares have been burned this year, making 2026 a record year since detailed statistics began in 1973. The average annual burned area over the past twenty years is around 12,700 hectares, meaning this year's figures are far above normal. Christophe Chantepy, an ONF expert in forest fire protection, noted that the record for burned forest areas remains the one set in 1976, with at least 80,000 hectares affected. The severity of the situation has led to increased fire risk alerts in certain regions. The Bouches-du-Rhône department was classified in red, indicating a "very high" risk of forest fires. This classification comes amid ongoing drought conditions that have severely impacted agricultural production. The president of the National Federation of Fruit Producers noted that "the most affected harvests are early apples," highlighting the economic consequences of the extreme weather. The combination of prolonged drought and high temperatures has created ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly. Despite efforts to contain most fires before they cause significant damage, the overall scale of the fires this year underscores the growing challenge of managing forest and land fires in France. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and work to implement measures to prevent further escalation.