Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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The Côte d'Azur is one of Europe's most fire-prone coastlines. Behind the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Fréjus rise the Massif des Maures and the Esterel, hills of cork oak, pine and maquis that are bone-dry by July. In August 2021 the Gonfaron fire burned more than 7,000 hectares of the Maures and thousands of campers were evacuated.
This map covers the Var and Alpes-Maritimes, from Toulon to Menton, plotting every satellite detection in the region at a glance.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
Massif des Maures
Wooded hills between Hyères, Le Luc and Sainte-Maxime. Many campsites back onto the forest; with a mistral wind a fire can cover thousands of hectares in hours.
Esterel and Fréjus
Red porphyry mountains with dense maquis between Fréjus and Cannes, often closed entirely to hikers on high-risk days.
Alpes-Maritimes hinterland
Hills above Grasse, Nice and Menton; fires are smaller but steep slopes and narrow roads complicate evacuation.
Is there a wildfire on the Côte d'Azur right now?
The map shows every heat detection over the Var and Alpes-Maritimes in recent hours. Press Live refresh for the latest satellite pass.
Can I hike in the Maures and Esterel in summer?
Only when the massif is open. The Var prefecture publishes a daily access map; on red days the forests are off-limits.
What if my campsite is evacuated?
Follow staff and firefighter instructions, take documents, medication and water, and never drive towards the fire. FR-Alert sends warnings to your phone automatically.
When is the fire season?
Mid-June to late September, peaking in July and August.
Which number do I call?
112 or 18 for the fire brigade.
How does this relate to the France map?
This is a zoomed view of the south-east coast; the France map covers the whole country including official reports.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in the Côte d'Azur?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.