Warnings as wildfires spread...

France declares maximum alert due to new heatwave

France has declared a maximum alert in nearly a quarter of its territory due to a heatwave that is also fueling wildfires, while several tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower have decided to close early.

Twenty-four departments in the central-west of the country, including the Paris region, home to 22.2 million people according to AFP calculations, are subject to the highest alert level (red) declared by the weather service, recommending 'utmost vigilance'.

With 59 other departments under an orange alert (level two) due to weather conditions, the southeastern regions and the island of Corsica remain relatively unaffected by the third heatwave in two months.

The weather service warned that temperatures could reach 39 or even 40 degrees Celsius 'in some areas', noting that the intense heatwave will continue until mid-next week.

During this weekend which sees the peak of the summer holiday, high-speed TGV trains will run normally coinciding with the extended national holiday, but one in three regional train services will be cancelled during the hottest times of the day, with alternative buses provided.

Authorities urged motorists to exercise 'extra caution' due to the heat and traffic congestion.

Fires and fatalities -

In these conditions, fires are increasing. President Emmanuel Macron warned on X platform 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 landscapes'. Since the start of summer, police have arrested 32 people on suspicion of involvement in setting fires.

More than 25,000 hectares have burned since the beginning of the year, nearly double the area recorded by the same date in 2025, according to civil defense.

Although the human toll is in no way comparable to that recorded in southern Spain where at least 12 people died, scattered fires have been reported in many areas in the south as well as in regions less accustomed to summer fires, particularly in western France.

In the Savoie region, two villages were isolated, and although the forest fire that consumed 60 hectares has now 'stabilized' according to local authorities, securing the access road will require days of work.

Climate scientists have proven that repeated heatwaves are a clear indicator of climate change caused primarily by burning coal, oil, and gas. The frequency of these waves is expected to increase, leading to severe human and economic consequences and requiring infrastructure adaptation to these conditions.

The French government has faced widespread accusations of being unprepared for extreme heatwaves, with above-normal death rates recorded, especially among people over 75.

Early closure of tourist attractions -

Another consequence of the extreme heat is a rise in drowning incidents by about 20% compared to last year, with official data indicating 131 drownings since June 19, particularly among minors and those over 60.

Celebratory events and tourist attractions are also affected by the heatwave.

In Paris, prominent tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum (some of whose galleries lack air conditioning), and the Musée d'Orsay have advanced their closing time to 4 p.m.

The police prefecture also canceled the popular firefighters' balls scheduled for July 13 and 14, as well as outdoor sporting events and others planned in non-air-conditioned venues. Cities across France also canceled fireworks displays for the national day celebrations.