Wildfire near Correns not yet under control

Correns – 03/08/2026: The wildfire near Correns in the Var department has been stabilized, but is not yet fully under control. According to Franceinfo, firefighters are continuing to secure the edges of the fire zone and prevent it from flaring up again. Residents of the municipality are now allowed to return to their apartments and homes. However, given the ongoing operation and the damage in the surrounding area, many of those affected remain deeply concerned.

The greatest danger currently comes from hidden smoldering hotspots in the vegetation and along the edges of the burned areas. In dry air, wind and rising temperatures, they can ignite new fires. High temperatures are expected in Var on Monday, August 3. Emergency crews are therefore monitoring particularly vulnerable sections, extinguishing smoldering areas and keeping personnel ready to contain any new outbreaks as quickly as possible.

The fire is part of a series of severe wildfires that have affected the central part of the department since July 21. On July 28, around 1,000 firefighters with 270 vehicles were deployed in the Correns and Barjols area, according to the prefecture. Weaker winds and higher humidity temporarily made firefighting efforts easier overnight. However, these more favorable conditions were not enough to definitively secure the extensive area.

According to a statement by the French government, the fire near Pontevès had affected around 5,400 hectares by July 27. Approximately 3,000 people in Correns, Châteauvert, Barjols and Brue-Auriac were temporarily affected by evacuations. In addition to firefighters, four military units, gendarmerie personnel and other emergency services were mobilized. The figures refer to the operational situation at the time; it was not disclosed how many personnel were on site on August 3.

The return to Correns is therefore a cautious easing of restrictions, not an all-clear. The municipality and security authorities have repeatedly urged the public to keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and not to enter closed forest areas. For people whose homes were damaged or who incurred additional costs as a result of the evacuation, the prefecture indicated that support would be provided, along with extended deadlines for reporting damage.

Drought and numerous vegetation fires are keeping emergency crews on alert elsewhere in France as well. At the end of July, the government warned that parched vegetation was increasing the risk of further fires. Near Correns, firefighters are therefore continuing to focus on monitoring the fire zone, extinguishing remaining smoldering hotspots and protecting neighboring communities.