What are the names and locations of the wildfires?
As of July 3, 2026, multiple wildfires are actively burning across southern France following an 11-day record-breaking heatwave in June. The largest blaze is burning in the Aude and Hérault departments near the Spanish border, having scorched approximately 900 hectares (2,200 acres).
Additional fires broke out near Marseille, in Lancon-Provence, near Roquemaure in the Gard area, and in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, spreading into Canet-en-Roussillon in the Pyrénées-Orientales region.
In total, approximately 8,700 hectares have burned across France so far this season (1).
Fire map of southern France, as of July 3, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The wildfires are affecting multiple communities across southern France, including:
- Canet-en-Roussillon
- Fréjus
- Lancon-Provence
- Marseille
- Pouzols-Minervois
- Rognac
- Roquemaure
- Sainte-Marie-la-Mer
An acrid smell of smoke was reported across the Marseille area, and thick toxic smoke blanketed the marina at Canet-en-Roussillon. Smoke was visible from as far as the beach (2).
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of July 3, 2026, the fires remain largely active. The largest blaze in Aude and Hérault is uncontained, with around 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles deployed against it (3).
A fire near Marseille's airport in Rognac was being brought under control, and a 260-hectare blaze in Lancon-Provence had been contained.
Approximately 2,000 firefighters, including volunteers and military personnel, are mobilised across the region. Strong wind gusts of up to 70 km/h and dry conditions continue to hamper containment efforts.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, with half from three campsites in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.
In Fréjus, more than 2,000 people were evacuated from six campsites due to a nearby forest fire (4).
Authorities have urged residents to follow all safety instructions. Prime Minister Lecornu held a crisis meeting in Marseille yesterday, emphasizing the need for endurance from both authorities and firefighters throughout the ongoing emergency.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
