A forest fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in the commune of Vidauban (Var). By 8.00 pm, the flames had already ravaged 600 hectares and were slowly spreading along the ridges. “Reinforcements from across the region are arriving and taking up positions on the plains to halt its advance,” said the Var prefecture. No injuries have been reported.
The fire broke out at around 3 pm in the commune of Vidauban, along the Route Départementale 48. Fanned by the wind, the fire spread very rapidly and was continuing to advance towards the eastern part of the mountain range at around 7.30 pm, according to a statement from the fire service.
More than 200 firefighters have been deployed, supported by 50 vehicles, three water-bombing aircraft and a heavy-lift helicopter. According to the Civil Protection Agency, 45 water drops have already been carried out. The authorities are advising local residents to follow safety instructions and avoid the area.
Four hamlets in the small commune of Plan-de-la-Tour, perched on the hills above Saint-Tropez, have been evacuated as a precaution, along with two estates in Vidauban, affecting several dozen people, according to the fire service.