A severe forest fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at around 3.30 pm in the commune of Taradeau, in the Var. Fanned by strong winds and dry vegetation, the fire spread rapidly, ravaging 60 hectares before spreading to the neighbouring commune of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, where a further 120 hectares were consumed.
Evacuations in peri-urban areas
The disaster, which has now spread to the outskirts of the town, has required emergency measures. In Les Arcs-sur-Argens, the neighbourhoods of Château Saint-Pierre, Font du Loup and Plateau des Aires were evacuated with the assistance of the gendarmerie. Around 120 people were accommodated in the village hall. In Taradeau, around ten houses were evacuated as a precaution, and a reception centre was opened in the village hall.
Massive mobilisation of emergency services
Given the scale of the disaster, the resources deployed are considerable. No fewer than 255 firefighters, supported by 122 vehicles, are battling the flames. Five Canadair aircraft, four water-bombing helicopters (including one heavy-lift helicopter) and two DASH aircraft have been deployed to drop water on inaccessible areas. Reinforcements from the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Hautes-Alpes, the Alpes-Maritimes, the Bouches-du-Rhône and the east of the country are also on site to support the operations.
Transport disruptions and advice for the public
The fire has caused major disruption to road and rail services. Train services have been suspended in both directions between Toulon and Les Arcs. Several departmental roads are closed: the RD 10 (from the Vidauban-Les Arcs-Taradeau junction, via a diversion through Vidauban), the RD 57, the RD 555 and the RD 73.
The authorities are urging the public to exercise caution:
- Residents in the area must remain in lockdown, unless otherwise instructed by the mayor or the prefect;
- Please avoid going to the affected area;
- Please do not tie up the telephone lines so that the emergency services can communicate.