During the summer of 2026, forest fires in France scorched 100,000 hectares of land—an area ten times the size of Paris. These fires were among the most severe in recent years, with one major blaze in the Gironde region alone consuming nearly 40,000 hectares. The fires also spread across several other regions, including Var, Pyrénées-Orientales, Landes, and Fontainebleau, causing widespread damage to forests and ecosystems. The Gironde fire, in particular, gained attention due to its large scale and the challenges it posed for firefighters. It highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in France, which are often linked to rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods caused by climate change. In these regions, dense forests and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly, making them difficult to control once they start. In response to these events, Brigitte Musch, head of the forest genetic resources department at ONF (Office National des Forêts), discussed potential strategies to mitigate the severity of such fires. ONF is France's national forest service, responsible for managing and protecting the country's forest resources. During an episode of La Question météo climat, a popular French television program focused on weather and climate issues, Musch spoke with host François Pitrel about the importance of adapting forest management practices to reduce fire risks. Musch emphasized that while it may not be possible to prevent all fires, certain measures—such as controlled burns, improving forest resilience through genetic diversity, and better land management—could help reduce their impact. Her insights come at a critical time as France continues to grapple with the growing threat of wildfires in a warming climate.