The summer of 2026 has confirmed the increasing wildfire risk in France. A combination of high temperatures, drought-affected soils, highly flammable vegetation and strong winds is creating conditions in which fires can start suddenly, spread rapidly and become increasingly difficult for fire and rescue services to bring under control.
Several regions have been severely affected. In Seine-et-Marne, the wildfires in the Fontainebleau Forest and the Trois-Pignons Massif burned more than 2,000 hectares and led to major evacuations.
In the Drôme department, a major wildfire affected the Diois Massif, particularly around Die, burning several thousand hectares and requiring the evacuation of villages, campsites and residential areas.
The Pyrénées-Orientales department was also severely affected, especially around Trévillach, Rodès, Ille-sur-Têt and the Aspres Massif. The Trévillach wildfire mobilised several hundred firefighters and led to the evacuation of local communities.
Other major wildfires mobilised fire and rescue services in Aude, Hérault, Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Corse-du-Sud. These events show that the wildfire risk is no longer limited to traditionally exposed Mediterranean areas. It also threatens agricultural land, industrial sites, residential areas and infrastructure located near dry vegetation.
The situation extends far beyond France. Spain has experienced numerous destructive wildfires, particularly in Andalusia and the Girona region. Major fires have also affected Portugal, requiring the deployment of significant human, ground and aerial firefighting resources.
Across the rest of the world, major wildfires continue to threaten communities, forests, agricultural operations, industrial sites and critical infrastructure. The growing number of fires highlights the need to strengthen fire prevention measures and ensure rapid access to firefighting water.
Fire fighting water tank for permanent water storage
For local authorities, departmental fire and rescue services (SDIS), agricultural operations, industrial sites and isolated buildings, rapid access to a sufficient volume of water can be critical during the first few minutes of a fire.
The Pronal fire fighting water tank provides a permanent firefighting water reserve when the public water network is unavailable, too far away or unable to deliver a sufficient flow rate.
It can be installed near forest areas, industrial buildings, agricultural sites, residential developments and isolated infrastructure.
Available in standard capacities ranging from 60 to 360 m³, the tank can also be custom-manufactured to meet the required storage volume and specific site constraints.
Pronal provides turnkey solutions and supports its customers throughout every stage of the project, including the on-site installation of the fire fighting water tank.
Its enclosed structure protects the stored water from external contamination and reduces water loss through evaporation. Depending on the site configuration, the tank can be equipped with a direct suction connection, an underground frost-protected system or a suction hydrant.
The fire fighting water tank can therefore contribute to External Fire Protection systems (DECI) and Forest Fire Protection systems (DFCI).
Its installation must be planned in cooperation with local stakeholders to ensure a stable platform, suitable access for emergency vehicles and connections compatible with the equipment used by the fire and rescue services.
Opentank and Bambi Bucket as close as possible to the firefighting operation
During a forest fire, a permanent water reserve can be supplemented by mobile water storage solutions that can be transported quickly and deployed directly in the field.
The Pronal Opentank is a self-supporting open-top flexible tank designed to provide a temporary water reserve for emergency response teams.
Available in standard capacities ranging from 1 to 20 m³, it can be used as a buffer water tank, a filling point for firefighting vehicles or an intermediate storage solution during water supply operations.
Once empty, the Opentank can be folded to minimise the space required during transport. It can therefore be installed rapidly in isolated or difficult-to-access areas.
The Opentank can also be used as a water supply point for helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets.
A Bambi Bucket is a flexible water container suspended beneath a helicopter. It enables water to be collected and then dropped directly onto a fire. When the natural water source is located far from the affected area, each flight rotation requires more time and fuel.
Deploying an Opentank close to the intervention area brings the water collection point closer to the fire and helps reduce helicopter turnaround times, provided that the tank dimensions and safety conditions are suitable for aerial firefighting operations.
Pronal notably took part in a wildfire response exercise in Galdames, in the Spanish Basque Country. During the exercise, Opentanks were used to refill Bambi Buckets close to the water drop zones.
This solution provides a mobile and operational firefighting water supply, particularly suited to rapidly changing wildfires and areas located far from traditional water sources.
A complementary approach to firefighting
The fire fighting water tank and the Opentank meet two distinct yet complementary requirements.
The enclosed fire fighting water tank provides a permanent water reserve to protect a site or a wider area. The Opentank makes it possible to temporarily move the water supply closer to the intervention zone and support both ground-based and aerial firefighting operations.
By combining these solutions, local authorities, fire and rescue services and operators of sensitive sites can better organise their firefighting water supply, from risk prevention through to direct operational support during a fire.
Pronal supports local authorities, emergency services and industrial operators in designing and sizing solutions adapted to the required volumes, site characteristics and operational constraints.
Do you have a project, a specific constraint or a particular requirement ? Our teams are ready to assess your needs and provide a tailored solution that meets your operational requirements.
Contact us to continue the discussion and work together to develop high-performance, reliable and sustainable solutions.