France Cancels Bastille Day Fireworks to Prevent Forest Fires

Most departments in France have cancelled Bastille Day fireworks displays on 14 July due to the high risk of forest fires amid an ongoing heatwave. Some departments have imposed a total ban on the use of fireworks, while in other regions the decision was made independently by municipal governments. Julien Marion, head of France’s Directorate General for Civil Security, stated that more than 25,000 hectares have been scorched by wildfires across the country since the beginning of 2026. Wildfires are raging in various parts of France as an extreme heatwave strikes. In late June, the national meteorological agency issued the highest-level weather alert in 72 of France’s 96 departments, breaking a historical record. Temperatures in some areas were reported to be approaching 40°C and even exceeded that figure in certain locations.