Wildfire in Var flares up again – aerial reinforcements requested

Ponteves – 01.08.2026: The wildfire at Gros Bessillon in the southern French department of Var has flared up again. According to Franceinfo, the fire is once again spreading rapidly in the Ponteves area. Areas near Cotignac and other surrounding municipalities are also affected. Emergency crews are primarily having to tackle fire hotspots that are reigniting in the parched vegetation.

Extensive aerial resources are expected to be deployed to reinforce firefighting operations. Franceinfo reported six firefighting helicopters, six Canadair aircraft and two Dash aircraft. They are expected to drop water or fire retardant over hard-to-reach areas and secure particularly vulnerable zones. How many aircraft can be deployed simultaneously depends on the wind, visibility and the further development of the fire.

The fire broke out on 21 July. In a situation report dated 27 July, the French government put the affected area at 5,400 hectares. At that time, 1,100 firefighters, four military units, two specialist fire-retardant units, as well as 120 gendarmes and 60 soldiers had been mobilized. With the renewed flare-up, areas that had already been brought under control must once again be monitored and smoldering hotspots fought.

Authorities had ordered evacuations for parts of the municipalities of Correns, Chateauvert, Barjols and Brue-Auriac. According to the government, around 3,000 people were affected by evacuations or precautionary protective measures. For residents, the latest development in the fire means continued uncertainty. Access routes must remain clear for firefighting vehicles, while possible changes in wind direction could put further locations at risk.

In its national situation assessment of 31 July, the Interior Ministry described the wildfire season as exceptionally severe. Since the beginning of the year, more than 14,000 vegetation and forest fires have been recorded in France. The drought continuing since April, several heatwaves and wind have severely dried out soil and vegetation. Under such conditions, sparks or remaining embers can quickly trigger new fires.

France has also activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism. European partners are supporting firefighting efforts at several locations with aircraft and helicopters. According to the Interior Ministry, the national fleet comprises twelve Canadair aircraft, eight Dash aircraft and three Beechcraft aircraft for reconnaissance and operational coordination. These are supplemented by leased aircraft and capacities provided by the departments.

The prefecture and security forces are urging the public to observe closures, keep emergency access routes clear and immediately report new smoke or fire sites via the emergency number. According to the Interior Ministry, nine out of ten wildfires in France are attributable to human activity.