Faced with a forest fire, protection is based on prevention around the building, closing openings if smoke or flames approach, following official instructions and evacuation when requested. You should not leave randomly if the authorities ask you to stay sheltered in a permanent building.
Before the season: reduce what can burn around the building
Preparing for a forest fire begins before the alert: clearing brush when the area is concerned, moving away from combustibles, maintaining the surrounding area, clear access for emergency services, water hose available and informing the occupants.
Openings, vents, shutters, hatches and bottoms of doors are sensitive points to smoke and flames. Official instructions recommend closing or protecting them depending on the situation.
The emergency kit must be ready: radio, lamp, papers, treatments, water, telephone, charger, clothing, contact list and local instructions.
During: follow the instructions rather than improvise
If a fire is observed, the alert must be given with as precise a location as possible. Then, the priority is to protect yourself, to stay informed and to respect the instructions of the emergency services or the town hall.
In buildings, evacuation can be requested, but it is not always immediate. In some cases, a solid building is safer than a late departure exposed to smoke, heat or saturated roads.
By car, you must avoid heading towards the fire front. If the road is threatened, look for a clear area and follow the emergency services' instructions.
Prepare for the risky season before the first fumes
Maintain the surrounding areas in accordance with local obligations, keep combustible materials away from facades and keep access accessible for emergency services. Check shutters, gutters, pipes and useful reserves. A house prepared in advance resists better than a home put away in an emergency.
When danger increases, charge phones, park the vehicle facing the direction of departure if recommended, and gather papers, treatments, water, and clothing. Follow the prefecture, town hall and fire services. Do not take a closed road or leave at the last moment out of curiosity or panic.
If the authorities ask you to stay sheltered, close the openings and monitor the entry of smoke without exposing yourself. If they order evacuation, leave immediately by the indicated route. The choice between staying and leaving depends on the progress of the fire and local information, not on a single rule.
Useful data at a glance
Orders of magnitude and simple controls to adapt to your situation. Local instructions always remain a priority.
According to local order
Shelter or evacuation.
To be spotted
Without taking a closed or exposed route.
To prepare
Storage and clearing of brush are done before the season.
Quick check before you need it
- Maintain the surrounding areas according to local rules
- Keep combustibles away from the facade
- Prepare papers, water and treatments
- Park the vehicle in the direction of departure if recommended
- Follow prefecture, town hall and firefighters
What priority depending on the situation?
| Situation | Priority | Vigilance point |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger | Move away, alert, follow emergency services | Do not try to identify or treat alone. |
| Short break | Light, information, telephone, water | Preserve the battery and avoid flames. |
| Extended event | Rotation of reserves and family plan | Reassess with the information local. |
Adapt the data to each situation
The same list does not suit everyone. These profiles indicate the point to be checked first.
Single person
6 L of water · 1 external contact · 1 accessible bag
Family
Needs by age · meeting point · simple roles
Vulnerable person
Treatments · prescription · identified aid · electrical autonomy
Activity / ERP
Responsibles · register · alert · exercise · stock monitoring
Recommended situations and routes
Exhibited house
Clear brush, keep combustibles away, close openings, keep a hose available and prepare documents.
Deep: Exposed houseExternal smoke
Close doors, windows, ventilation according to instructions, limit exits and listen to authorities.
Deep: Exterior fumesReturn after evacuation
Wait for authorization, check water, food, soot, damage and residual risks.
Find out: Return after evacuationFAQ Forest fires
Quick responses to compare uses, limits and protection priorities.
Should you evacuate as soon as a fire is visible?
You must follow the instructions from the emergency services or the town hall. In some cases, evacuation is requested; in others, staying in a permanent building may be safer.
Why close the vents?
This limits the entry of smoke and flames when the authorities or the situation justify it.
What to check after a fire?
Wait for authorization, check damage, soot, food, water, weakened trees, lines and ember risks.
Should we evacuate as soon as we see smoke?
Follow local guidelines. Evacuating too late is dangerous, but leaving on an exposed road without information can be too. Prepare early and listen to the authorities.