Major fire in the Var: More than 2,500 hectares affected

Pontevès – July 22, 2026: According to the latest reports, a major forest fire in the Gros Bessillon mountain area of the Var department has affected more than 2,500 hectares of vegetation. The fire was considered under control on Wednesday morning, but has not yet been fully extinguished. Around 900 firefighters remain on site, as numerous hotspots persist across the extensive fire area and could reignite.

The fire broke out near Pontevès on Tuesday and spread further overnight. The areas mainly affected are around Pontevès, Cotignac, Correns, Montfort-sur-Argens and Sillans-la-Cascade. Command operations are currently focused on securing the edges of the fire, extinguishing remaining hotspots and preventing the fire from spreading again if wind conditions change.

Overnight, around 400 people in several municipalities were moved to safety as a precaution. Local authorities have set up reception centers for those affected. The situation in Cotignac was particularly tense, as the fire temporarily threatened residential areas. Whether some evacuated areas can be re-entered will depend on local developments and approval from the responsible authorities.

The operation is being supported by forces from several departments. In addition to firefighting teams, the national gendarmerie has also been deployed to secure the operational area and direct traffic. Several surrounding roads were closed overnight so that fire engines and emergency services could work without obstruction.

Before the fire broke out, authorities had warned of a particularly dangerous forest fire situation in the Var department due to high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong Mistral winds. On July 22, access to several forested mountain areas was restricted or prohibited. These measures are intended to prevent people from entering dangerous areas and to avoid obstructing emergency personnel.

The extent of the burned area may still change following further assessments. Such figures can usually only be finalized after ground and aerial measurements have been completed. As of Wednesday morning, there was no reliable new information about injuries or the cause of the fire. The investigation into the cause is expected to begin after the emergency firefighting work has ended.

For residents of the affected municipalities, it remains crucial to follow official warnings, avoid traveling to the fire area and keep emergency access routes clear. Although the spread of the fire has temporarily been stopped, the large number of remaining hotspots still requires a major operation that may continue for a considerable time.