France under pressure from new heatwave and warnings as fires spread - Sarmad
(AFP) – France has placed nearly a third of its territory on maximum alert due to a heatwave that is also fueling wildfires, prompting several tourist landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, to close early.
The Paris region and a large part of western France are under the highest level of alert (red level) issued by the meteorological service, which has advised “utmost vigilance.”
Approximately 26 million people live in the areas under maximum alert, according to calculations by the Agence France-Presse based on annual data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies.
Only a few departments in southern France remain unaffected by the country’s third heatwave in two months.
The meteorological service warned that temperatures could reach 39 or even 40 degrees “in some areas,” noting that the severe heatwave will persist until mid-next week.
During this weekend, which sees peak travel activity for summer holidays and coincides with the extended national holiday, high-speed train (TGV) services will operate normally. However, one in three regional train trips will be canceled during the hottest parts of the day, with alternative buses provided.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise “greater caution” due to the heat and heavy traffic.
Under these conditions, wildfires are increasing. President Emmanuel Macron warned via the platform X that “9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by human activities,” adding that “a single second of negligence can threaten families, endanger those who protect us, and destroy our natural landscapes.” Since the beginning of summer, police have arrested 32 people on suspicion of involvement in arson.
More than 25,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year, nearly double the area recorded by the same date in 2025, according to civil defense authorities.
Although human casualties are in no way comparable to those in southern Spain, where at least 12 people died, scattered fires have been reported in various southern regions as well as in areas less accustomed to summer wildfires, particularly in western France.
Climate scientists have established that recurring heatwaves are a clear indicator of climate change primarily driven by the burning of coal, oil, and gas. The frequency of these heatwaves is expected to increase, signaling serious human and economic consequences and necessitating the adaptation of infrastructure to cope with these new conditions.
The French government has faced widespread accusations of being unprepared for severe heatwaves, with death rates exceeding normal levels, particularly among residents aged 75 and older.
Another consequence of the extreme heat has been a 20 percent rise in drowning incidents compared to last year. Official data indicates that 131 people have drowned since June 19, particularly among minors and those over the age of 60.
Celebratory events and tourist landmarks are also suffering due to the heatwave.
In Paris, major tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum (some of whose galleries lack air conditioning), and the Musée d’Orsay have moved their closing times to 4 p.m.
The police command has also canceled highly popular firefighter parties scheduled for July 13 and 14, along with outdoor sports events and other activities planned in non-air-conditioned venues. Additionally, several cities across France have canceled fireworks displays for national holiday celebrations.
