French tourist railways replace steam engines due to heatwaves

Extreme heatwaves across France have forced several tourist railway operators to suspend the use of steam locomotives. For safety reasons, operators have transitioned to diesel or electric engines to prevent trackside fires.

The Chemin de fer de la baie de Somme (CFBS) reported multiple fires on embankments in July, prompting local authorities to request safety measures. Consequently, the association replaced steam traction with diesel engines. Other affected networks include La Vapeur du Trieux in Brittany, the Train des Mouettes in Charente-Maritime, and Transvap in Sarthe. The national federation Unecto is expected to conduct a formal assessment of the impact following the summer season.