It’s a decision that upends preparations for the July 14 celebrations across the department. The prefect of Essonne (91) signed, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, three orders banning fireworks and restricting access to woods and forests larger than half a hectare, effective until and including Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The reason: a fire risk deemed "very high" by Météo-France, which has placed the department on red forest fire alert, a first for Essonne, already under orange heatwave vigilance.
The Île-de-France department is thus one of only three areas in France to have moved to the maximum alert level, alongside Deux-Sèvres and Vaucluse. The dryness of the vegetation, temperatures close to 35 degrees, and gusts of wind reaching 40 km/h form a dangerous mix that firefighters fear.
This is a measure that could disappoint more than a few. From July 7 to 15, 2026, the firing of fireworks is strictly forbidden on all outdoor public and private spaces in the Essonne department. The ban also covers festive fires, bonfires, and campfires.
Direct consequence: towns that were gearing up for National Day celebrations must cancel or postpone their fireworks displays. Bondoufle and Brunoy have already scrapped their fireworks for the national holiday, and more municipalities are expected to follow in the coming days. "Due to a high risk of starting and spreading fires, three prefectural orders have introduced temporary restrictions and prohibitions to safeguard people, property, and natural areas," says the Essonne prefecture.
If you were planning to roll your eyes at Bastille Day, better aim for the neighboring departments. We've assembled the full lineup of fireworks for July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France, as well as a guide to fireworks in Essonne (91), updated as cancellations come in.
The answer is no, and the ban is sweeping. Until July 15, 2026 inclusive, access to all woods and forests of Essonne larger than 0.5 hectare, whether public or private, is closed to the public, as are areas within 200 meters of these woodlands. Forest roads, hiking trails and forest plots are affected.
Professionals are not spared: activities using tools or machines powered by combustion or electric engines, or any equipment that emits fire or heat, are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. within the designated perimeter. Events held within 200 meters of the mountain massifs are also suspended.
The third decree targets specifically the Trois Pignons State Forest, a range beloved by climbers and hikers that straddles Essonne and Seine-et-Marne (77). Access is forbidden through July 15, 2026, inclusive, in both the Essonne and Seine-et-Marne sectors—a measure previously applied during the last heatwave in the neighboring Fontainebleau massif, managed by the National Forests Office.
"Observing these restrictions is essential to prevent fires and ensure everyone's safety," says the Essonne Departmental Fire and Rescue Service. In the event of a fire, the same instinct should prevail: move to safety and immediately alert emergency services by dialing 18 or 112.
Dates and Opening Time
From July 7, 2026 to July 15, 2026
