A fast-moving wildfire erupted in southern France, forcing hundreds from their homes as nearly 1,000 firefighters and water-bombing aircraft battled to stop the blaze. The fire swept through wooded hills in the Var region, burning 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) in just a few hours and prompting the evacuation of nearly 400 people.
Fire Spreads Rapidly
Simon Barbre, prefect for the region, said the fire was moving down Gros Bessillon mountain at a very fast speed, which was not anticipated given the climatic conditions and weakening wind. Evacuations took place around the villages of Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens, and Correns.
Impact on Residents and Infrastructure
Many evacuees came from Ponteves, where the fire started, and the nearby village of Sillans-la-Cascade. More than 2,300 homes were without power. Very dry conditions in the area have caused an extreme forest-fire risk, according to the French weather service Meteo-France.
Firefighting Efforts
Air crews were racing to lay down fire-retardant barriers ahead of the advancing flames. Firefighting crews carried out more than 100 water and retardant drops using eight Canadair water bombers, four water-dropping helicopters, and two Dash aircraft before aircraft were grounded for the night.
Firefighters and Volunteers
Between 900 and 950 firefighters were deployed on the ground. Isabelle Scarica, one of around 50 volunteers in Ponteves, said the situation was 'a major disaster'. One fire engine was damaged, and four firefighters and two residents suffered minor smoke inhalation.
