For several weeks, wildfires have been multiplying across France. Photos are circulating widely on social media, fueling anxiety. Not to mention the plumes of smoke sometimes visible miles from home… In short, everyone wants to know what's really going on. It's precisely in this context that the Forest Fires app has risen to the top of downloads in recent days. The reason: it allows users to track fire outbreaks in real time. It even sends geolocated alerts and displays the progress of the fires on a screen. interactive map.
Created 10 years ago, it has become a benchmark for monitoring fires.
You've probably seen it at the top of the charts on the App Store or Google Play. Fueled by the recent heatwaves and wildfires, the Forest Fires app now boasts over 700,000 active users. And yet, this tool isn't new. It was launched ten years ago by Anthony Montardy, a volunteer firefighter in the Pyrénées-Orientales region. Today, the project is managed by a non-profit organization (governed by the French law of 1901).
The strength of this service lies in its entirely human-centered approach. When you report a fire or share a photo, the information isn't published blindly. Volunteers (firefighters, foresters, prefecture officials) work in shifts day and night to verify everything. At the height of the crises, they have already processed 20,000 reports and 50,000 messages.
Each photo or position The received data is cross-referenced with weather data, satellite images, and supplemented by people's testimonies. As its creator summarized on USAinformationsThe team is working "hard." Above all, they "cannot afford to make any mistakes" to avoid panic and unnecessary calls to 18 or 112.
To use it, you don't even need to create an account to view the maps. The app remains 100% free as long as you accept ads. Otherwise, while still supporting the charity, you can opt for the ad-free version at €2,99 per month.
How to use the Forest Fires app on a daily basis?
Rest assured, you don't need to be a firefighter or expert to use it. This application was specifically designed to be intuitive and accessible to the general public.
Download and install the application
If you haven't already done so, go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone) to download Forest Fires. If you don't want to install anything on your smartphone, the official website offers the exact same interactive map directly from your web browser.
Enable permissions
On first launch, the application prompts you to activate the geolocation and the NotificationsThis is highly recommended. Otherwise, you can simply consult the cartebut you will not receive real-time alerts.
Check current traffic lights
On the map, fires are displayed with a very clear color code. Red indicates an active fire, orange a fire that needs confirmation, and black a fire that is extinguished. By clicking on a pictogram, you can directly access the detailed information sheet. It displays its location accurate, its status and the latest field updates.
Report a fire (if necessary)
If you spot suspicious smoke, press the "Report a fire" button. Take a photo, confirm your location, and send your alert to the moderation team.
Features that make the difference
Monitoring ongoing fires is obviously the main function of this app. It also offers several practical tools for anticipating risks, both in everyday life and while on vacation.
- The fire risk map by department: thanks to a very simple color code (from green to purple), you know the alert level in your area. This is ideal for knowing if access to a forest is permitted before going hiking.
- Live tracking of air assets: this is probably the most impressive feature. An aeronautical overlay allows you to track deployed aircraft in real time. You will see, for example, the number of planes and helicopters in flight, their precise call signs, and their altitude during airdrops.
- Information sheets and official instructions: by clicking on a specific fire, you open its dedicated page. There you will find its exact status (e.g., "Under attack"), photos sent by residents, and safety recommendations issued by the prefectures.
To note :
As practical as it is, the Forest Fires app isn't perfect. The most detailed satellite maps require a good internet connection to load quickly. If you're deep in the woods without 4G, they may load more slowly. Also, keep your smartphone's battery life in mind. Like any app that uses geolocation and displays a map continuously, it's a significant drain on power.
Our opinion
Forest Fires is a practical, user-friendly, and reassuring app for citizens. It's a very useful tool to keep on your smartphone to quickly get information and anticipate risks during this summer period. Remember that this app provides information, but it does not replace emergency services. If you see any danger, do not hesitate to call 18 or 112.
Alternatively, you can also use this map of fires published by NASA.
