Nearly 30,000 hectares of forest and vegetation burned across France in 2025, double the average of recent years, and approximately 190 structures were severely damaged or destroyed, according to government data.
The escalating risk of wildfires is being attributed to climate change, which is lengthening fire seasons, increasing fire intensity, and expanding the areas vulnerable to blazes. France is not isolated in this trend; several European countries have experienced unprecedented wildfires in recent years.
Authorities emphasize that a significant majority – 90 percent – of homes lost to wildfires are located on properties that lacked adequate vegetation management. Preventative measures, particularly clearing vegetation around homes, are considered the most effective protection for residents, their property, and the surrounding environment.
Mandatory vegetation clearing regulations are currently in effect in 48 French departments, encompassing approximately 7,400 communes identified as being at risk of forest and vegetation fires. These regulations require landowners to reduce the volume of vegetation within a 50-meter radius of buildings and other installations – in some limited cases, extending to 100 meters.
The obligation to clear vegetation applies to owners of buildings or installations located within or within 200 meters of woodlands, forests, heathland, scrubland, and garrigue. Mayors are responsible for enforcing these regulations, and authorized agents, including those from the Office National des Forêts (ONF), have the authority to issue fines for non-compliance.
Recent regulations, effective since January 1, 2025, require sellers of real estate located in areas subject to mandatory vegetation clearing to inform potential buyers of this obligation at all stages of the sale process. This aims to ensure transparency and accountability regarding fire prevention measures.
Landowners can determine if their property is subject to the clearing obligation by contacting their local town hall (mairie), the departmental prefecture, or visiting the dedicated government website, jedebroussaille.gouv.fr.
