Vendée and Ardèche placed on high forest fire risk

The French prefecture for the Vendée department has issued an order classifying the area as an orange‑level fire risk. The decree bans motor‑vehicle access and parking in woods, prohibits public entry from noon to midnight, and forbids any use of fire, smoking, fireworks, or equipment that could spark a blaze within 200 metres of forests. All activities that could generate heat, such as welding or using hot tools, are also prohibited at any time.

In the neighboring Ardèche department, authorities have placed the region under orange vigilance due to a heatwave and strong winds, activating level 3 of the ORSEC forest‑fire response. Residents are urged not to perform work that could create sparks, avoid barbecues near wooded areas, keep flammable materials stored safely, respect legal clearing obligations, and report any fire immediately by calling emergency numbers.