A localised flare-up of the Gros Bessillon fire, which had already ravaged 4,500 hectares in the centre of the Var Last week, the fire forced the authorities to evacuate 2,500 people on Friday afternoon via the FR-Alert system. The towns of Correns, Montfort-sur-Argens, Le Val and Châteauvert have been particularly hard hit, with several neighbourhoods and a campsite evacuated. In just a few hours, the fire had spread across more than 1,250 hectares. It was a fire of rare intensity.
Update 09:53: 1,300 firefighters still on duty
This Saturday, 1 August, the fire is still burning in the municipalities of Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens. The fire spread over approximately 1,250 hectares. During the night, the forces deployed managed to halt its advance and protect the most vulnerable areas.
Air assets are due to reinforce the ground operation this morning. Columns of firefighters are also pre-positioned at the Val, in Carcès and Vins-sur-Caramy, so that we can take swift action should the situation take a turn for the worse.
A fire fanned by the mistral and flying embers
The Var Prefecture reports that the flare-up, located to the west of Correns, is “fanned by a strong mistral wind, with flames leaping towards Montfort-sur-Argens”. In light of this situation, the mayor of Montfort-sur-Argens has asked residents not to return to their homes, so as “not to congest the roads” and to “make way for the fire brigade’s vehicles”.
1,300 firefighters in action, backed up by reinforcement units
Fire crews on the ground are working tirelessly to protect key areas and contain the spread of the flames. In total, 1,300 firefighters are deployed on the ground. They will be reinforced on Saturday morning by four reinforcement columns from other departments, as stated by the prefecture.
Roads that remain closed: The RD45 between Châteauvert and south-east of Correns, the RD22 between Cotignac and Montfort-sur-Argens, the RD13 as far as the RD560 at a place called Les Quatre Chemins, the Chemin des Adrechs south of Correns, and the RD562 between Carcès and Le Val.
Access to the village of Correns has, however, been secured to allow emergency vehicles to pass through. In addition, a generator has been installed at the Correns water tower, ensuring a water supply for the fire brigade and local residents.
Prohibitions and safety instructions
Due to the difficult weather conditions and the high risk of fire, the Prefect of the Var has issued an order prohibiting the following until midnight on Monday 3 August 2026:
- the storage and retail sale of fuel, as well as its transport in unsuitable containers (cans, jerry cans, etc.);
- the possession, outside the home, and the carrying of gas-lighting-type lighters.
The Prefecture also reminds the public of the key guidelines to follow:
- do not go to the areas affected by the fire;
- give way to emergency vehicles on the roads.
To keep up to date with the latest developments regarding current fires, please visit our fire map and stay up to date via our page dedicated to the Weather watch for the Var. If you spot a fire starting, report it immediately via our reporting platform.