Forest fires in France have become more widespread in recent months than ever before, with the summer of 2026 marked as a major environmental crisis. Historically, from the 1990s to 2015, France successfully reduced the area burned by wildfires through the "Vulcain" strategy, which focused on quick response times when fires first started. However, the effects of global warming appear to be reversing these gains. Rising temperatures have led to drier vegetation and increased tree deaths caused by pests, which in turn produce more dead wood—fuel that burns quickly and easily. A key factor in fire risk is known as the "rule of the three 30s": when the temperature in the shade is above 30°C, humidity drops below 30%, and wind speed reaches at least 30 km/h, the risk of a fire becoming uncontrollable is highest. Melanie Rochoux, an environmental risk researcher at CERFACS, emphasizes that wind is a major driver of large wildfires, enabling them to spread rapidly and leap over obstacles. To combat this, firebreaks—areas cleared of vegetation—and regular brush clearing are crucial. These practices create gaps in the fuel supply, which can slow or stop the spread of fires in wooded areas. Under the French Forestry Code, property owners are legally required to clear brush within a 50-meter radius of their buildings. This obligation can extend beyond their property depending on local regulations. If property owners fail to comply, the local prefecture can carry out the necessary clearing at the owner's expense, with the radius extending up to 100 meters in some areas. Looking ahead, the outlook for fire risk in France is concerning. Météo-France predicts an increase in the number of days with high fire risk each year. The "red zone"—an area with the highest fire risk—around the Mediterranean is expected to shift northward. By the end of the century, regions in the center-west of France, including areas from the Charentes to the Beauce, are projected to experience a significant rise in fire risk, highlighting the growing challenge posed by climate change.