Wildfires have long been a concern for public health, but recent years have shown that the smoke they produce poses significant risks, especially to the most vulnerable populations. In France, the year 2026 has been marked by a surge in wildfires and vegetation fires, reaching unprecedented levels. These fires, which had been predicted by experts, have brought the issue of health risks from smoke into the public eye in a way that was previously uncommon. The impact of such fires is not limited to those directly affected by flames but extends far beyond, affecting air quality and health across regions. The expansion of fire risk in France has been documented by models for several years, and 2022 and 2025 had already shown that fire seasons are becoming longer and more widespread. This year, fires in areas like Fontainebleau and Gironde have highlighted the need to rethink how urban and forest areas are planned together, especially near high-risk zones. In Marseille, a fire in Pennes-Mirabeau brought the issue to the forefront of urban policy, while in the United States, the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles in early 2025 resulted in 19 deaths and underscored the growing global concern over wildfire impacts. By the end of July 2026, France had already recorded over 119,000 hectares burned by 14,320 fires, surpassing the record set in 1976. The Saumos fire in Gironde became the largest in the country since 1949, covering over 42,000 hectares. These fires are not only massive in scale but also have unique weather patterns, such as pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can create their own thunderstorms. This has brought attention to two major issues: the economic risks to tourism and local economies, and the health risks posed by smoke inhalation. Health risks from wildfire smoke have been studied internationally, with evidence showing increased cardiovascular and respiratory problems, as well as neurological effects. In France, while these risks have not been as prominently addressed as in other countries, they have become more visible this year. The government has taken steps, such as distributing masks to residents in Bordeaux, and media coverage has highlighted the poor air quality in the region. However, the issue of how these health risks disproportionately affect socio-economically disadvantaged populations remains largely unaddressed in France. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can travel great distances, affecting not only those near the fire but also communities far away. These particles are more harmful than those from typical pollution sources, increasing the risk of hospitalization and even mortality. In France, the National Agency for Health Safety (Anses) has updated its understanding of these risks, noting that the air quality indices currently used do not account for the specific dangers of wildfire smoke. This has led to an underestimation of the true health risks in affected areas. Research in France has also shown that the most disadvantaged communities are more frequently and severely impacted by fires. These areas experience higher fire frequency and burned area, as well as greater exposure to smoke due to factors like poor housing and limited resources for adaptation. In contrast to other countries like California, where these issues are framed as environmental injustice, France has not yet integrated these concerns into its fire and public health policies. This highlights the need for a broader approach that includes better air quality monitoring, targeted health protections, and more inclusive urban planning to address the growing challenges of wildfire smoke.