Forest fire near Montfort-sur-Argens flares up again

Montfort-sur-Argens – 31 July 2026: The forest fire at Gros Bessillon in the Var department flared up again on Friday after having been considered contained on Tuesday. According to the SDIS 83 fire and rescue service, flames near Montfort-sur-Argens temporarily reached heights of more than 25 metres. Emergency crews are trying to prevent further spread and protect inhabited areas.

The fire broke out on 21 July in the area around Pontevès and spread across several municipalities under difficult weather conditions. In addition to Pontevès, Cotignac, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens were affected. Due to the immediate danger, the Var prefecture ordered evacuations. Access to forest areas was also restricted, and activities that could create sparks or involve open flames were prohibited.

In Montfort-sur-Argens, the safety perimeter was initially lifted on 24 July following coordination between the prefecture, fire service and municipality. Residents were allowed to return to their homes. At the same time, the municipality warned that hazards from smoke, damaged trees and emergency vehicle traffic remained in the burned-out areas. With the fire flaring up again, this warning has gained additional urgency.

Major forest fires can flare up again even after they have been contained. Pockets of embers can remain hidden for days in the ground, root systems or beneath charred wood. In dry vegetation, high temperatures and wind, they can ignite new flames. This is why SDIS 83 and state authorities continued to treat the Gros Bessillon fire as an ongoing emergency operation even after its initial stabilisation.

Residents must follow the instructions of the incident command and the prefecture. Access roads must remain clear for firefighters, rescue services and security forces. Damaged or smoke-filled buildings should only be entered once authorities no longer consider there to be an immediate danger. Electrical and gas-powered installations must be professionally inspected before being used again. There are also risks from unstable trees and falling branches in the affected forest areas.

Following the severe fires in the Var, the prefecture had already explained assistance and insurance procedures for affected private individuals, businesses and municipalities. The deadline for reporting fire damage was exceptionally extended until 31 August. This arrangement also applies to people whose property was damaged by the Gros Bessillon fire.

The fire near Montfort-sur-Argens is one of several major forest fires that affected the Var department in July 2026. Although the fire was temporarily contained, emergency crews and authorities remained on site. On Friday, the renewed flare-up confirmed that the fire zone at Gros Bessillon must continue to be monitored and secured.