Fires and forest fires

Forest fires, particularly frequent in summer, can endanger the safety of aircraft operating near them.

Besides the dangers of reduced visibility due to smoke and strong turbulence, there may be a risk of collision with the rescue aircraft called in to work over the fire. These specialised Civil Security aircraft (Canadair, DASH 8, helicopters and light aircraft) work in conditions of poor visibility and strong turbulence. They are therefore not able to ensure collision avoidance.

If you see smoke indicating a forest fire, you must:

• Keep as far away from it as possible, to leave the surrounding airspace free for the rescue aircraft present or expected. AIP France ENR 1.1.13 "OVERFLIGHT OF FOREST FIRES" states that it is forbidden to overfly areas being treated within 5 NM and below a height of 1 500 m (5 000 ft) AGL;
• Report the presence of this smoke to the air traffic service you are in contact with, or failing that to an air traffic service near your position, or failing that to the SIV.
  © DGAC

The Flight Safety Division