The Bouches-du-Rhône department is the most exposed to the risk of forest fires in metropolitan France, as has been evident once again since the beginning of July, with several major fires, other smaller incidents, and dozens of fires starting. Monday, July 28th, demonstrated these risks with several fires in Martigues, Port de Bouc, and again in the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau at the highway intersection.
The danger is linked to climatic conditions (high heat, wind, dry vegetation) and soils that make vegetation vulnerable to the slightest outbreak of fire. A simple cigarette butt, a spark, a barbecue, or carelessness can cause a disaster, observes the prefecture, which points out that specific regulations define, by prefectural decree of April 22, 2025, access, presence, and movement in forest areas. This measure aims to prevent fires, protect property and people, and allow emergency services to intervene effectively.
As of Tuesday, July 29, 13 of the 25 mountain ranges, highlighted in red on the map, located in the western Bouches-du-Rhône department, are closed to the public. Access, presence, and movement of people, as well as work, are strictly prohibited.
In red: – Alpilles, – Arbois, – Castillon, – Chaîne des Côtes, – Chambremont, – Cote Bleue, – Lançon, – Les Roques, – Montagnette, – Pont de Rhaud, – Quatre Termes, – Rougadou, – Sulauze, as well as the Fos ZIP (Zone Interaction Industrial Zone).
Access, presence, and movement of people are permitted in the other 12 mountain ranges highlighted in green on the map, including the Calanques National Park southeast of Marseille. However, strict vigilance remains essential at sites reopened to the public, as the risk remains severe throughout the region. The map of access, presence and movement of people in the massifs is made public for each massif and for the 90 municipalities concerned, at 5 p.m. for the following day, on the prefecture’s website. The one concerning the carrying out of works is accessible here.
Useful link:
Fire risks : all forest areas in Bouches-du-Rhône are closed
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