Eight of the Var’s nine forest massifs have been closed on Thursday 6th August as firefighters brace for extreme heat, dry vegetation and a strengthening Mistral.
The Gros Bessillon fire is no longer advancing, but firefighters are still working to secure its perimeter and extinguish remaining hot spots. Winds of up to 50km/h are expected to raise the risk of fresh outbreaks during the afternoon, while temperatures could reach 37°C on the coast and 40°C inland.
The Var remains under an orange heatwave alert and authorities have described Thursday as a particularly high-risk day for wildfires.
Gros Bessillon remains under close surveillance
Firefighters worked throughout Wednesday to secure the edges of the Gros Bessillon fire, tackle remaining hot spots with the support of water-bombing helicopters and open tracks into difficult terrain.
Their main concern is the south-eastern front, where the Var prefecture warned that strengthening westerly winds could cause new flare-ups.
The fire has burned approximately 6,350 hectares since it first broke out near Pontevès on 21st July. Firefighters had stopped its spread by 28th July, but a major new outbreak began near Correns three days later and burned a further 1,850 hectares.
Around 800 firefighters remained deployed on Wednesday, supported by approximately 250 vehicles, water-bombing helicopters and drone teams locating residual hot spots.
Access prohibited across most of the Var
The Sainte-Baume, Haut-Var, Centre-Var and Maures massifs are closed because of an extreme wildfire risk.
The Monts Toulonnais, Corniche des Maures, Estérel and Îles d’Hyères are also closed, with the risk rated very severe. Entry, traffic, walking and outdoor work are prohibited across all eight areas.
Access to the Canjuers plateau, the only massif not formally closed, is strongly discouraged because of a severe fire risk.
Two departmental roads remain closed near the affected area: the RD22 between Montfort-sur-Argens and Le Val, and part of the RD45 between Châteauvert and Vallon Sourn in Correns.
Several municipalities, including Le Lavandou, Saint-Raphaël, Le Muy and La Crau, have cancelled or postponed fireworks displays. Le Cannet-des-Maures has prohibited fireworks until 15th September.
Suspect held as investigators examine deliberate fires
A 23-year-old man has been placed under formal investigation and remanded in custody over a series of fires between 19th and 24th July.
The suspect was arrested on 25th July after investigators used CCTV footage to identify and locate him. He is suspected of starting around 10 fires near Brignoles, Cabasse and Vins-sur-Caramy and has acknowledged responsibility for at least one outbreak.
According to the French Gendarmerie, he is being investigated for destroying woodland by fire and causing irreversible environmental damage. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a €150,000 fine. A psychiatric examination has also been ordered.
Investigators are separately examining whether deliberate ignition caused the major resurgence near Correns on 31st July. No definitive link between the detained suspect and that outbreak has been established.
The wider investigation covers numerous fires across the Var, including six outbreaks involving human intervention around Gros Bessillon since 24th July. Authorities have cautioned that the incidents may involve several people and are not necessarily connected.
Assistance available for affected residents
Correns is among the worst-affected communities, with approximately 52% of its municipal territory burned and five houses destroyed. In Cotignac, local authorities have reported 27 damaged homes, including around 10 that were completely destroyed.
Residents and businesses affected by the fires in Gros Bessillon, Brignoles and the Taradeau–Les Arcs area are being asked to register with their municipality and contact their insurer.
The deadline for submitting insurance claims has been extended to 31st August. Exceptional assistance will also cover up to three weeks of accommodation for residents evacuated from their main home.
The French government will fully reimburse partial-employment payments made by eligible small and medium-sized businesses in evacuated areas between 20th July and 31st August.
Psychological support is available through the emergency medico-psychological unit on +33 4 94 33 18 00, with walk-in sessions scheduled in several affected communities between 7th and 14th August.
Residents and visitors are being reminded not to smoke, light fires or barbecues, or carry out work capable of producing sparks near dry vegetation. Any outbreak should be reported immediately by calling 18 or 112.
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Photo source: Prefect of the Var