2,500 evacuated as wildfire in Var reignites and burns 1,250 hectares

A wildfire in the Var in south-east France that had been brought under control reignited on Friday afternoon and has now burned through 1,250 hectares and led to the evacuation of 2,500 people.

Strong winds, dry vegetation and very high temperatures contributed to renewed fire activity, with flames spreading around Montfort-sur-Argens, Carcès, Correns and neighbouring communities. Firefighters continue to contain the blaze in the Gros Bessillon area. 

The Var prefecture announced this morning that the situation remains active but stable, with no additional areas affected overnight. 

A major emergency response remains in place, with 1,500 firefighters deployed, supported by four Canadair water-bombing aircraft, two Dash aircraft and five water-bombing helicopters. 

However, the high temperatures, strong winds and dry vegetation continue to complicate operations. Today, 20 departments have been placed under orange heatwave warning (high vigilance), mainly across the south-east, the Rhône valley, the Alps and Corsica. Temperatures in parts of Provence and Corsica recently reached 33C to 38C, with peaks of around 40C recorded in Var. 

Support for residents affected by smoke 

A total of 2,500 protective masks have been taken from emergency stocks, 500 of them provided to the gendarmerie for personnel involved in operations and 2,000 distributed to Montfort-sur-Argens for residents and neighbouring communities. 

Further deliveries are planned for Correns, Cotignac and other communes.

Some residents allowed to return home 

As the situation improved today in the Châteauvert sector, some residents were allowed to return to their homes after being evacuated earlier in July.

Authorities, however, urged caution and reminded residents to follow any instructions issued by emergency services, as the fire remains under surveillance.

The Var prefecture said in an X post that all forest massifs in the department are closed this Saturday, with access, traffic and works prohibited in all affected areas.

Several motorway rest areas have also been closed as a precaution, including areas along the A57 and A8 motorways.

Gironde wildfire declared ‘contained’

In Gironde, the major wildfire that burned around 42,000 hectares has been declared “contained”, and “no longer spreading” said Minister Laurent Nuñez. Firefighters continue to monitor the area and deal with remaining risks.

Of the around 220,000 people evacuated, 198,000 have been allowed to return to their homes. 

The map below shows wildfires currently burning in France. Red indicated ongoing fires, orange reports of fires, and black fires that have recently been extinguished.

You can also see the live version of the map on feuxdeforet.fr