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Fire risks and vigilance

Every year, during the summer season, access to certain exceptional forest massifs, such as the majestic Verdon, the sublime Alpes de Haute-Provence, the picturesque Var and the bewitching Alpes-Maritimes, is subject to strict regulations depending on weather conditions and the high risk of fire. To preserve the ecological wealth of these natural jewels, enchanting strolls and breathtaking hikes, as well as vehicle traffic and parking, are carefully regulated, or even restricted, in accordance with the prefectoral decrees in force in each département. This proactive protection approach aims to ensure your safety while preserving the wild beauty of these exceptional landscapes.

Fire hazard maps

Le sentier des grès d'Annot

You’re on vacation in one of the 41 communes of Alpes-Provence Verdon in the Alpes-de-Haut-Provence region.
You chose this region for its beauty and variety of outdoor activities.

It is essential to be vigilant and to scrupulously respect the regulations laid down by the local authorities when visiting forest areas during the summer. Because weather conditions are often conducive to fires, it’s vital to follow safety instructions, avoid any activity that could generate sparks, and never throw away cigarette butts or flammable waste. The preservation of these fragile ecosystems depends on everyone’s responsibility, and by adopting a vigilant attitude, you’ll be helping to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.During these activities, you’ll be sure to get out and about in the neighbouring departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes.

Please note that parts of the communes located south of the Verdon (in particular Castellane, Rougon, Esparron-de-Verdon, Montagnac-Montpezat, Quinson and Gréoux les Bains) are subject to Var regulations (dotted area on the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence map).

Alpes-de-Haute-ProvenceAlpes-MaritimesVar

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

The 6 Alpes-de-Haute-Provence massifs are :

  1. Middle Verdon
  2. Verdon-Ubaye
  3. Forcalquier-Entrevennes
  4. Luberon-Plateau de Valensol
  5. Pre-Alps of Digne
  6. La Motte-Turriers

Please note that parts of the communes located south of the Verdon (in particular Castellane, Rougon, Esparron-de-Verdon, Montagnac-Montpezat, Quinson and Gréoux les Bains) are subject to Var regulations (dotted area on the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence map).

Alpes-Maritimes

In the Alpes-Maritimes, almost every commune is a “massif”.

Var

The 9 massifs of the Var (from near to far) :

  • Plateau de Canjuers
  • High Var
  • Center var
  • Sainte Baume
  • Massif de l’Estérel
  • Moors
  • Corniche des Maures
  • Mount Toulon
  • Iles d’Hyères

what do fire risk levels mean?

Fire hazards are classified by color, from green to red. Here’s what to do at each level:

Green: slight fire hazard, but caution is advised

  • No smoking
  • No lighting of fires
  • No wilderness camping
  • Collecting plants and animals prohibited
  • Garbage disposal prohibited
  • No throwing of flammable objects
  • Take care when walking through the massifs

Yellow: moderate fire risk, caution is advised

  • No smoking
  • No lighting of fires
  • No wilderness camping
  • Collecting plants and animals prohibited
  • Garbage disposal prohibited
  • No throwing of flammable objects
  • Take care when walking through the massifs
  • Work can be carried out in the forest provided that an appropriate safety system is in place.

Orange: severe fire risk, do not enter the mountain ranges

  • No smoking
  • No lighting of fires
  • No wilderness camping
  • Collecting plants and animals prohibited
  • Garbage disposal prohibited
  • No throwing of flammable objects
  • We advise against walking in the massifs
  • Forestry work prohibited except for agricultural, silvicultural or general interest work from 5am to 1pm.

Red: Very severe or Extreme fire risk

  • No smoking
  • No lighting of fires
  • No wilderness camping
  • Collecting plants and animals prohibited
  • Garbage disposal prohibited
  • No throwing of flammable objects
  • Walking in the massifs prohibited
  • No traffic on lanes marked with a BO sign
  • Use of shredders, brushcutters, chain saws and work on metal prohibited