A fierce fire, which broke out on Tuesday in a field in Pontevès in the Var, continues to keep the emergency services on their toes this Thursday, with the blaze not yet brought under control. The flames have swept across nearly 2,500 hectares, leading to the evacuation of around 400 people and damaging around 60 homes, according to preliminary figures.
Massive mobilisation of firefighters to tackle a volatile blaze
Around 600 firefighters were deployed during the night from Wednesday to Thursday to contain the numerous hotspots. They were supported by aerial resources throughout Wednesday, namely: three water-bombing helicopters, two Canadairs and two Dash aircraft. Despite the fire reigniting several times during the day, the teams managed to contain the blaze within its perimeter, as reported by the Var Prefecture in its latest update on Wednesday at 6.00 pm.
To facilitate the emergency services’ response, access routes were opened with the help of the 7th RIISC from Brignoles and the Departmental Council, enabling firefighters to deploy their resources to the front line. Main roads remain closed to ensure unimpeded access, particularly in the event of the fire flaring up again. Three community halls, in Carcès, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens, are still accommodating evacuees, who are advised not to return to their homes.
Power supply and traffic disrupted
Around a hundred customers in Cotignac have had their electricity restored, but power cuts persist in Pontevès due to the evolving nature of the fire. As for traffic, the prefecture announced on Thursday the closure of all forest areas in the department, with an extreme fire risk in three of them: Sainte-Baume, Les Maures and Centre-Var. Six other forest areas, including the Monts Toulonnais and the Estérel, are at very severe risk.
Several departmental roads (RD560, RD60, RD13, RD22, RD222, EV8, RD32 and RD45) remain closed, as do the Suvé du Vent and Lauvets rest areas. The authorities are urging the public to exercise the utmost caution and are reminding people that access to forested areas is prohibited.
The Mistral: an aggravating factor
Firefighters are concerned about the arrival of a strong mistral this afternoon, with gusts of up to 50–60 km/h. This wind is likely to fan the flames. Rescue teams are being redeployed across the entire Var department, much of which is classified as being at extreme risk of fire. Today is set to be particularly dangerous in several departments along the Mediterranean coast, as well as in other regions. In Gironde, in particular, a fierce fire has swept through nearly 2,000 hectares in just a few hours.
In this context, the Civil Protection Service’s aerial resources will be under heavy strain and will not be able to operate simultaneously on all fronts. Caution is therefore essential: avoid wooded areas, take no risks and strictly follow the authorities’ instructions. Everyone’s responsible behaviour can help prevent new fires from starting and conserve emergency resources. To keep track of the situation, check our map of active fires and report any new fires by dialling 18/112.