Wildfire in the Var: New Fire Outbreaks Threaten Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens

Montfort-sur-Argens – 01.08.2026: The wildfire in the Gros Bessillon massif continues to keep the municipalities of Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens in the Var department on edge. After twelve days of operations, firefighters had to respond to a severe flare-up on Saturday. Authorities precautionarily moved people out of threatened areas; access roads to both towns remained closed. The fire area lies in the centre of the southern French department.

The fire broke out near Ponteves on 21 July and rapidly spread through the densely wooded hilly area. During the first days, the prefecture reported more than 2,700 hectares of affected land as well as evacuations in several municipalities. On 23 July, it confirmed that evacuation orders remained in force for Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens.

Since then, emergency crews have been working to secure the edges of the fire zone and extinguish smouldering hotspots. Around 650 firefighters were already on site during the night of 23 July. Water-dropping helicopters supported them from the air. According to local authorities, the Mistral wind, dry vegetation and difficult terrain significantly complicated firefighting efforts. Under such conditions, glowing remnants can reignite open flames even after a temporary lull.

On Saturday, Franceinfo reported that 2,500 people had been moved to safety because of the latest escalation. An up-to-date statement from the prefecture confirming that figure was not initially available. Official records show that more than 500 people from Ponteves, Cotignac, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens had been precautionarily evacuated during the first phase of the fire. Many were later allowed to return with the authorities’ approval.

For local residents, the renewed spread of the fire means a return to a state of emergency. Roads are closed, residential areas may be evacuated at short notice, and any heavier smoke development triggers renewed concern. The prefecture had explicitly warned against returning to evacuated zones without official authorization. The department’s crisis unit remained activated, as did municipal emergency plans. During the previous phase of operations, the army also supported firefighting and logistics.

The cause of the fire is not apparent from the information provided by authorities so far. There was also no reliable current information on injuries or additional building damage as of Saturday evening. The instructions of the incident command therefore remain decisive. The Var Prefecture and the town halls of the affected municipalities publish new situation updates through their official channels.