I Save The Forest
The fastest and cheapest way to prevent forest fires?
A free cup-holder ashtray for every smoker.
Help us prevent forest fires:
One cigarette butt. One spark. One less forest.
One forest saved by a 5 € idea.
Did you know that 90% of forest fires in France are caused by humans, and up to 80% of major fires start within 50 meters of a road?
At least 40% of fires are triggered by cigarette butts thrown from a car. This figure could be as high as 70 to 80%.
🙋♂️Did you know ?
🚬 1 in 5 smokers still throws their cigarette butt out the car window.
🛣️ On average, 100 cigarette butts are thrown every day per kilometer of highway in each direction of traffic.
📊 18% of smokers admit to having thrown a cigarette butt out of their car window before.
Sources: Vinci Autoroutes | ResearchGate Publication | Vinci Autoroutes | Bison Futé Fire Hazard Report | Journal Spécial des Sociétés | Vinci Autoroutes
The idea is simple:
8 million portable car ashtrays.
Distributed across France before April 2027.
Backed by a proposed €500 fine + driving licence points for throwing cigarette butts from vehicles instead of using an ashtray.
Funded by insurers, VINCI Autoroutes, the French Government and/or tobacco companies.
A simple, practical and relatively low-cost way to reduce the risk of roadside forest fires before summer 2027.
8 million ashtrays. One summer. Fewer fires.
Please spread the word.
The Shocking Reality
Did you know that 90% of forest fires in France are human-caused, and that up to 80% of major fires start within 50 meters of a road?
Prevention isn't expensive. But fires are.
France doesn't need more firefighters — it needs fewer fires. Our brave firefighters battle forest fires every day during the summer, but they are fighting the symptom, not the cause.
Modern cars don't have ashtrays, so people throw their half-extinguished cigarettes out the window, which causes forest fires. Thus, the fastest and most affordable way to prevent fires is to help every smoker have a portable, safe ashtray in their car.
Do this very simple experiment :
1️⃣ Download the Feux de Forêt (Forest Fires) app on iPhone or Android.
2️⃣ Open the live fire map and zoom in on active fires throughout France.
3️⃣ See how many of them are located right next to a road.
Prevention Is Cheap. Fighting Fires Is Expensive.
What does France need? Fewer fires, not more firefighters.
Our firefighters are heroes, but they fight the consequence, not the cause.
Modern cars no longer have ashtrays. The result: smokers throw their butts out the window… and cause fires.
Giving every smoker a portable ashtray is the fastest and most cost-effective way to save our forests.
The portable ashtray would not only be useful on highways and roads, but also in many other situations where cigarette butts pose a significant fire risk.
Another advantage :
These portable ashtrays can also be used while hiking or camping, helping to prevent other fire outbreaks.
For example, the same smoker can use this ashtray during a picnic, at the beach, while camping, during a hike, or in natural areas where a single improperly extinguished butt can start a fire.
An additional benefit of this portable car ashtray initiative is that it will reduce waste and prevent cigarette butts from being carried into waterways.
Firefighters are heroes. But they shouldn't be our first line of defense.
If every smoker had an ashtray, how many forests would still be standing?
Our goal
◆ A free car ashtray for every smoker
◆ Reduce forest fires in France by at least 30% within 3 years
Don't throw away the cigarette butt – change the habit.
Give drivers an ashtray – and give firefighters a break.
How to achieve this goal ?
◆ Free distribution of portable ashtrays at all major highway service areas
◆ Nationwide media campaign (TV, radio, press, social media)
◆ In addition, if the law made it mandatory to use a portable ashtray in vehicles for anyone who chooses to smoke in the car – whether driver or passenger – adoption would be even faster. A €500 fine + demerit points on the driving license.
FAQ :
To those who are against tobacco – I am against tobacco too. But in an era of unprecedented climate change, we must do everything we can to reduce the risk of forest fires. Offering a free portable car ashtray is not about encouraging people to smoke, but about reducing fire outbreaks.
To those who claim that smoking while driving is illegal in France – there are several laws, notably Articles R412-6 and L3511-7-2, but they are poorly enforced and remain in a "gray area." If people are going to smoke while driving anyway, they should use a portable car ashtray – much like the distribution of clean needles to drug addicts. This is not about encouraging smoking while driving, but about promoting safer behavior.
We send firefighters to put out what a simple ashtray could have prevented.
A €5 ashtray costs infinitely less than a €5 million fire.
Who funds the ashtrays?
In terms of funding, this type of initiative – deployed on a large scale – would directly benefit insurers (e.g. AXA, MAIF), Vinci Autoroutes (through reduced roadside fires and traffic disruptions), as well as the French State (through reduced fire-related costs).
It could therefore be jointly funded by these stakeholders and other partners. The portable car ashtrays could even be made in France, helping to support the French economy.
We propose joint funding by:
◆ Vinci Autoroutes : They would be the main distribution channel for the ashtrays, and their road networks are heavily affected by fires every summer. Net annual profit in 2023 exceeding €2 billion.
◆ The Government : over €6 billion spent each year fighting fires.
◆Major insurers (AXA, CNP Assurances, MAIF, Crédit Agricole Assurances, etc.) : in 2025, French insurers paid out approximately €5.2 billion in claims related to natural disasters. They therefore have every interest in supporting initiatives that reduce the number of forest fires.
◆ Major tobacco groups : total revenue generated from tobacco sales amounted to €18.4 billion in 2024. Tobacco manufacturers can help reduce the impact of smoking on nature by funding portable car ashtrays.
By acting quickly and in a coordinated manner, much like what was done during the Covid period…
🙋♂️How is this implemented?
Free distribution to all smokers who drive, via Vinci Autoroutes service areas and town halls.
👮Should a portable car ashtray be made mandatory for smokers?
In addition, if the law made it mandatory to use a portable ashtray in vehicles for anyone who chooses to smoke in the car – whether driver or passenger – adoption would be even faster.
⏱️Deployment before summer 2027
This scheme could be deployed as early as 2027 and could even be manufactured in France.
France has approximately 14 million smokers, and it is estimated that there are nearly 8 million cars used by smokers.
Another advantage:
These portable ashtrays can also be used while hiking or camping, helping to prevent other fire outbreaks.
I sincerely believe that if this campaign were rolled out on a large scale, it could have a real impact on reducing forest fires every year.
I have also launched a petition on MesOpinions, but ultimately, this is above all a decision that must be made jointly by the State and Vinci.
No one wants to cause a forest fire. People simply need a portable car ashtray.
That is why I called this campaign « Je sauve la forêt» (I save the forest) and why the slogan printed on the ashtray is «J’aime les forêts » (I love forests). This is above all about individual choices: small actions that each of us can take, in our own way, to help make the world a better place. 🌲❤️
⭐ An additional idea!
Portable ashtrays in new vehicles: a simple measure to prevent forest fires
The gradual removal of built-in ashtrays from new cars has had an unintended consequence.
Without a practical and safe place to extinguish and store their cigarette butt, some smokers still throw it out the window of their vehicle, contributing to forest fires and pollution.
While modern vehicles are no longer equipped with ashtrays, there is a need to provide a simple, low-cost solution suited to current habits.
The idea is to encourage automakers, importers, leasing companies, and dealerships to provide a portable, sealed, removable ashtray, placed in the cup-holder of every new vehicle sold in France. Non-smokers could simply leave it closed or remove it.
Low-cost, this measure would place the device exactly where it is needed, encourage responsible disposal of cigarette butts, and could also be extended to used vehicles via dealerships and rental companies. A voluntary agreement with the industry could be pursued initially, before considering regulatory changes if necessary.
Proposed implementation plan
1. Create a national implementation task force
The French State, major insurers, and motorway companies (notably VINCI Autoroutes) establish a dedicated public-private working group to steer the project, following the model of the rapid coordination put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Design and manufacture the product
The working group commissions a French design firm or manufacturer to develop a practical, affordable, portable car ashtray ready for mass production, with a target launch date of February 2027.
3. Establish a legislative framework
Adopt a law making it mandatory for anyone smoking in a vehicle to use a portable car ashtray, with a 12-month transitional period before it takes effect to allow for public information and nationwide distribution of the device. A €500 fine plus demerit points on the driving license.
4. Launch a national awareness campaign
Roll out a large-scale communication campaign on television, radio, social media, and on motorways to explain this new measure and encourage public adoption.
5. Distribute millions of free portable car ashtrays
Distribute millions of free portable car ashtrays at VINCI Autoroutes service areas, town halls, and other public distribution points so that every smoker can have one before the law comes into effect.
As of 5/08/2026, the following recognized experts have liked my LinkedIn campaign, which you can view here :
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7483083752731033600/
🔥Fire, Fire Prevention & Emergency Management
Guillermo Rein – Professor of Fire Science, Imperial College London.
Dr Lori Moore-Merrell – Former Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration; Lead Fire Safety Strategist at the UL Fire Safety Research Institute.
Guillaume Peghaire – Deputy National Delegate for Natural Risks, French Government.
Raymond Guidat – Colonel, Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (Luxembourg).
Guillaume Leroy – Colonel of Professional Firefighters.
Pierre Nobile – Honorary Colonel of Volunteer Firefighters.
Arnaud Wilm – European Representative of Coulson Aviation; Colonel of Firefighters; Crisis Management Specialist.
Lionel Bertin – Helicopter Pilot, Directorate General for Civil Security and Crisis Management.
Raphaël Ageneau – Officer at the 7th RIISC (Civil Security Instruction and Intervention Unit).
Marc Rossi – Captain of Professional Firefighters and Nurse Anesthetist.
Thierry Oberlin – Head of the Colmar Main Rescue Centre (SIS 68).
Christophe Thuot – Station Chief, SDIS 01.
Jérémy Heftre – Professional Firefighter Officer and Station Chief, CIS Richardménil.
Yannick Auloy – Professional Firefighter, Operations Commander, SDIS 17.
Anthony Philippe – Commander of Professional Firefighters.
Christophe Raynal – Firefighter, SDIS 31; Vice-President of the Francophone Firefighter Health Association.
Jason Campo – Professional Firefighter, SDIS 13.
Pierre Gamel – Deputy Director of Operational Services, SDIS du Loiret.
Tautuarii Isabelle – Officer of SDIS 78; President of the EXTRAC78 rescue association.
Alan Cosqueric – Professional Firefighter and Fire Safety Trainer.
Jean-Christophe Bouchey – First Aid and Fire Safety Trainer.
Jean-Baptiste Audier – Firefighter Officer; Departmental Prevention Manager; Fire Safety Expert.
Saïd Hachiba – Fire Prevention Inspector.
Bruno Ulliac – International Technical Advisor in Civil Protection, British Columbia Wildfire Service.
Alexander Held – Senior Fire, Forestry and Wildfire Expert, European Forest Institute (EFI).
Florian Raffaitin – Mission Chief, CNPE du Bugey / SDIS 01.
Théo Blon – Regional Forest Ranger.
Julien Panchout – Agency Director, National Forestry Office (ONF).
Didier Remy – Forensic Expert in Fires and Explosions; Commander of Professional Firefighters.
Olivier Rognon – Professional Firefighter and Inventor.
Anthony Salvadori – Risk Management and Crisis Management Manager.
Jordan Douine – Safety Manager; Volunteer Firefighter.
Khamel Boufeniche – Head of the Heritage Department, SDIS 21.
Geoffrey Fillet – Consultant and Trainer in Crisis Management.
SI RISK CONSULTING – Engineering and Consulting Firm in Fire Safety.
Guillaume Borragini – Former Firefighter Officer; Post-Traumatic Stress Specialist.
Sébastien Roverch – Professional Firefighter, SDIS 77; Emergency Communications Specialist.
David Macri – Board Member of the National Federation of French Firefighters (FNSPF).
Mihaela Schloz – Doctorate in Robotics, Agriculture and Forest Fire Fighting.
Vasilis Kougionis – Fire Captain, Hellenic Fire Service; Forest Engineer (MSc).
Stéphane Helleu – Departmental Director of SDIS; Expert in Crisis Management and European Union Missions.
Cécile Macarez – Director of Civil Protection of French Polynesia; Firefighter Colonel.
Éric Belgioïno – Departmental Director and Chief of Corps, SDIS 66.
🏛 Government & Public Administration
Olivier Pezza – Directorate for European and International Affairs, Ministry of the Interior.
Fanny Motel – SDCS / DSAF, French Government.
Jean-Christian Ferretti – Head of the Safety Commissions Unit, DDTM 13.
Julien Fischer – Deputy Director of Strategy, Public Procurement and Innovation.
Stéphane Beauvais – Head of Public Policy, UGAP.
Bruno Cassette – State Administrator.
Jérôme Foucaud – Honorary General Commissioner.
Mia Drazilova – Behavioural Science Unit, OECD.
Didier Lorentz – Non-commissioned Officer of the National Gendarmerie / Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Laurent Gauze – President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Spencer Maleka – Elected Official; Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Strategy Specialist.
Hanaé Bisquert – Senior International Public Affairs Manager.
🌍 Environment, Climate & Sustainable Development
Sylvain Vanston – Chief Sustainability Officer, ESG and Climate Lead.
Kevin Dunckley – Chief Sustainability Officer; Earthshot Prize Nominator; Member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Global Compact (UK).
Wulf-Peter Schmidt – Professor of Sustainability Management; former Director of Sustainability at Ford.
Virginie Raisson-Victor – Geopolitical Foresight Expert; President of IPCC Pays de la Loire.
Sebastián Vangeli – Lead Scientist, Boomitra.
Anaïs Bach – Climate Action Now.
John Lotspeich – Vice President of Restoration, Conservation International.
Pierre Johnson – Ecological Economist; Specialist in Nature-Based Value Chains, Biodiversity and Governance.
Phoebe Barnard – Biodiversity and Climate Scientist; Futures Professor.
Diane Sorel – Curator of the Massane Nature Reserve.
Gérard Largier – Former Director of the National Botanical Conservatory.
Florine Champ – PhD Student in Forest and Agroecosystem Biology and Ecology.
Anne Togola – Environmental Monitoring Project Manager.
Nouha Belaribia – Environmental Engineer.
Alban Lacoste – Business Development Manager, EcoTree France.
Armelle Caron – Head of the "Public Policy and Environmental Strategy" Master's Programme, AgroParisTech.
Campaign Progress
Since the launch of Je Sauve La Forêt, this initiative has grown from a simple idea into a genuine awareness campaign aimed at reducing human-caused forest fires.
What has been achieved so far
A nationwide awareness campaign:
publication of the campaign in Facebook groups covering all 101 French departments, reaching residents across the entire territory.
International outreach:
contact made with organizations specialized in firefighting, forest fire prevention, forest management, and environmental protection in many countries around the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia, in order to gather their opinions and feedback.
Mobilization of numerous experts:
more than 750 people and organizations have been contacted to date, including:
government officials;
firefighters and forest fire specialists;
forestry experts;
sustainable development specialists;
environmental associations;
researchers and academics;
civil security and risk management professionals.
Many have provided encouragement, comments, and suggestions, helping to refine and strengthen this proposal.
A high-visibility LinkedIn campaign:
a dedicated campaign was launched on LinkedIn and has received support from many recognized figures in the fields of firefighting, forestry, nature protection, sustainable development, and public administration. Several influencers and experts have also shared the campaign with their own networks, allowing it to reach an ever-wider audience.
View the LinkedIn campaign here:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7483083752731033600/
An independent citizen initiative
Je Sauve La Forêt is a 100% independent, but non-commercial initiative.
The goal is to bring together public authorities, motorway companies, insurers, fire and rescue services, researchers, foresters, and environmental associations around a simple, practical, and low-cost prevention measure: the free provision of portable car ashtrays, accompanied by a national awareness campaign and, eventually, an appropriate legislative framework.
Because preventing a fire is always simpler, less expensive, and more effective than having to fight it.
Sources: Vinci Autoroutes | Senat
Take Action to Save Our Forests !
Your signature can make a difference. By supporting our campaign, you help provide free car ashtrays, reducing the risk of forest fires. Together, we can protect our landscapes and save lives.
Together, we can make a difference.
This initiative is simple, fast, and achievable. Putting out the spark means protecting the forest.
How can you help?
◆ Sign the petition
◆ Share our website, our social media, and the petition with those around you
◆ Tell influencers, elected officials, or public figures about us
About
This campaign was born from the initiative of Guy Wilmot. In the summer of 2025, while driving on the A9 towards Arles with his wife and daughter, he was struck by the scale of the landscapes devastated by fires all along the route.
The next day, on the way back, a new fire broke out by the roadside. That was when he realized: a solution was needed.
As he watched, he noticed the number of people throwing their cigarette butts out the window, both in town and on the motorway.
And the obvious truth emerged:
The absence of ashtrays in modern cars greatly contributes to these devastating catastrophes.
But the solution is simple:
Free portable ashtrays + an information campaign.
""The forest fires in the Pyrénées-Orientales over recent years made me realize that more needed to be done to prevent them.
The real turning point came last summer, when I went from Céret to Arles for the weekend in August 2025.
On the way there, we were stuck for hours on the A9 because of a roadside forest fire. Then, on the way back, we found ourselves in another endless traffic jam caused by a new fire, on another stretch of the A9.
During those long hours of waiting, I saw motorists smoking, tapping their cigarettes to knock off the ash, and then throwing their butts out the window. It deeply revolted me.
Looking around, I suddenly realized that cars no longer came equipped with ashtrays and that people needed help to make the right choices.
No one wants to start a forest fire. Smokers simply need a portable car ashtray.
That is why I named this initiative 'Je Sauve La Forêt,' and why the slogan printed on the ashtray is 'J'aime les forêts.' The idea is simple: each of us, through our individual choices, can help make the world a better place."”
— Guy Wilmot, Ceret
Contact
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📩 Fill out our contact form.
Legal notice
Publication manager :
Guy Wilmot, Céret, France
Hébergeur : Squarespace, Inc., 225 Varick Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10014 www.squarespace.com
Tél. : +1 (646) 580-3456
