Wildfire in the Var reignites: Further evacuations ordered

Correns – 31 July 2026: In the centre of the Var department, the wildfire at Gros Bessillon has spread again. Further evacuations have been ordered because of new fire hotspots, Franceinfo reports. Strong Mistral winds are fanning the flames and complicating firefighting efforts. Around 500 firefighters are deployed, supported by water-bombing aircraft and other aerial resources.

The area around Correns is particularly affected. Smouldering hotspots and new fires had repeatedly been discovered there in recent days. The Var prefecture had already imposed strict access restrictions for the fire area and urged the public to comply with evacuation orders without delay. Access routes must remain clear for fire engines and emergency services.

The fire at Gros Bessillon broke out near Ponteves on 21 July and spread rapidly in dry conditions. According to the prefecture, several municipalities were affected, including Ponteves, Cotignac, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens. Last week, authorities reported that several hundred people had been evacuated, along with significant damage to vegetation and individual buildings.

The renewed flare-up presents a particularly difficult situation for emergency crews. Even when major fire fronts have been contained, hidden embers, dried-out plant debris and wind can create new fire hotspots. Firefighters are therefore focusing on hard-to-reach areas, protecting residential zones and extinguishing smouldering hotspots. The powerful Mistral can carry sparks over considerable distances, potentially igniting further fires.

Safety measures also apply in forest areas and peripheral zones outside the residential neighbourhoods under immediate threat. As early as 23 July, the prefecture had restricted access to affected forest massifs to protect visitors and allow emergency services to work without obstruction. Municipalities in Provence Verte activated their municipal protection plans for at-risk districts and set up information services for residents.

Evacuees should follow the instructions of the police, gendarmerie and fire service. Anyone outside the danger zone must not drive into restricted areas or block access routes. Authorities also warn against relying on unconfirmed reports on social media. Binding information on evacuations, road closures and possible return times is being issued by the prefecture, the affected municipalities and the Var fire and rescue service.

The operation has now been under way for more than a week. As recently as 28 July, the prefecture had reported firefighting work at difficult-to-reach smouldering hotspots. The new fire hotspots near Correns now once again require evacuations and the deployment of around 500 firefighters.