Forest Fire at Gros Bessillon in the Var Stabilized After Days of Operations

Cotignac – 02/08/2026: The forest fire at Gros Bessillon in the centre of the Var department has been stabilized after days of firefighting operations. According to the prefecture, weakening winds and higher humidity helped emergency crews during the night. Around 1,000 firefighters and 270 vehicles were most recently engaged in securing the edges of the fire zone and extinguishing areas that had flared up again.

The fire broke out near Ponteves on 21 July and spread rapidly across the wooded ridge. The following morning, authorities put the affected area at around 2,500 hectares. The official estimate was therefore higher than the initially reported figure of more than 2,000 hectares. Protective measures were in place in Ponteves, Cotignac, Correns, Montfort-sur-Argens and Barjols; residents of at-risk areas had to leave their homes temporarily.

Stabilization does not yet mean that the operation is over. Firefighters are still monitoring the containment lines and tackling remaining hotspots, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain. Fires can reignite there if winds pick up and vegetation remains dry. During the acute phase of the fire, the prefecture had therefore repeatedly restricted access to forest areas and their immediate surroundings.

State warning messages for several affected localities were lifted on 24 and 25 July. Before that, residents had been asked to evacuate at-risk zones so that emergency services could keep access routes clear and organize the protection of homes. The Gendarmerie supported firefighters with road closures, securing operational areas and protecting the public.

The economic and social consequences are now also becoming visible. The Var prefecture organized discussions with local stakeholders, the SDIS 83 fire and rescue service, and other state agencies. Those affected can exceptionally report their damage until 31 August; such procedures normally have a significantly shorter deadline.

A psychosocial support centre has also been set up for residents of the affected municipalities. It is intended for people distressed by evacuations, smoke or damage to their property. At the same time, the relevant authorities are assessing the impact on buildings, infrastructure and forest areas. No final damage assessment has yet been issued.

The fire at Gros Bessillon is among the largest fires in the Var this summer. Although its spread has been halted, follow-up inspections are continuing. The prefecture’s latest report, dated 28 July, still recorded work on isolated reignitions near Correns and Barjols.