At last, some good news on the wildfire front in France! After eight days of an exceptional response and 4,500 hectares affected, the Gros Bessillon fire, which started in Pontevès, was officially declared under control on Tuesday 28 July at 7.00 pm. However, the fire service’s operations are continuing to secure areas that remain at risk, and vigilance is still required.
The blaze threatened several towns in the department, including Cotignac, Carcès, Montfort-sur-Argens, Correns, Châteauvert, Barjols and Brue-Auriac. Nearly 5,000 people were evacuated from their neighbourhoods, and certain areas of Correns and Barjols are still subject to evacuation orders due to their proximity to the fire’s perimeter. Tonight, the fire service will carry out safety operations in these areas to prevent the flames from reigniting. ‘Contained’ does not mean ‘extinguished’.
Major roads remain closed to facilitate emergency operations
Several departmental roads remain closed to allow emergency services to operate safely:
- RD 35 between Varages and Brue-Auriac
- RD 560 between Barjols and Brue-Auriac
- RD 554 between Barjols and Le Real Martin
- RD 45 between Châteauvert and Correns
The authorities would like to remind you of the importance of complying with these restrictions so as not to hinder the work of the teams on the ground. To follow the progress of the current fires in the region, please consult our fire map.
Weather conditions remain a key factor in fire management. Check the weather warnings for the department to stay informed about conditions that could lead to fires.
If you witness a fire breaking out, report it immediately via our reporting platform to alert the emergency services.