Firefighters say southern France wildfire is contained but hot spots remain

Update

Firefighters said the wildfire was contained within its perimeter and was not spreading much.

Firefighters' spokesman Eric Grohin said many hot spots and flames remained and crews were being very vigilant on Wednesday morning.

The source described the burned area as twice the size of London's Heathrow airport.

Source note: AFP news report published on 22 July 2026 at 05:26:22 UTC.

Update

Firefighters said the wildfire in southern France has been contained.

Source note: AFP news report published on 22 July 2026 at 05:09:38 UTC.

Update

Evacuations took place around Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens and Correns, with many evacuees from Ponteves and Sillans-la-Cascade.

More than 2,300 homes were without power overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, the prefecture said.

One fire engine was damaged, and four firefighters and two Ponteves residents had minor smoke inhalation, local authorities said.

Firefighting crews made more than 100 water and retardant drops before aircraft were grounded for the night.

The report gives wider context on other active fires in France, including in the Alps and Corsica.

Source note: AFP news report published on 22 July 2026 at 01:04:13 UTC.

Update

The wildfire burned 1,700 hectares in a few hours.

Between 900 and 950 firefighters were deployed, with water-bombing aircraft and helicopters used before nightfall.

One fire engine was damaged, and four firefighters and two Ponteves residents suffered minor smoke inhalation.

More than 100 water and retardant drops were carried out using eight Canadair water bombers, four water-dropping helicopters, and two Dash aircraft.

Authorities said very dry conditions had created an extreme forest-fire risk in the area.

Nearly 40,000 hectares have burned in France since the start of the year, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

Source note: AFP news report published on 21 July 2026 at 21:44:29 UTC.

Update

Nearly 400 people were evacuated from several villages in the Var region on Tuesday.

Simon Barbre, the Var prefect, said the fire was moving down Gros Bessillon mountain faster than expected despite weaker wind.

Evacuations took place around Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens and Correns.

About 1,700 hectares, or 4,200 acres, were burning, according to the prefect.

Meteo-France said very dry conditions had created an extreme forest-fire risk in the area.

A separate smaller forest fire near the airport serving Bordeaux killed two firefighters, according to the local fire and rescue service.

The local fire and rescue service said the firefighters died when their firetruck became trapped.

President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences to the firefighters' families in a message on X.

Source note: AFP news report published on 21 July 2026 at 20:07:03 UTC.

Update

By late Sunday, authorities said the fire had burned nearly 200 hectares and was still not fully under control, though the situation was described as favourable.

The prefecture said 10 homes burned, nine others were damaged and one firefighter had minor injuries.

Authorities said 150 people were evacuated from two towns and housed in a community hall and a school.

Authorities maintained an orange heatwave alert for Monday.

Source note: AFP news report published on 19 July 2026 at 21:27:50 UTC.

Update

Var prefect Simon Babre said the fire was contained, provided weather conditions did not change.

The blaze burned four homes, damaged nine others and left one firefighter with minor injuries, according to the prefecture.

About 615 firefighters were deployed, with reinforcements from four neighbouring departments, five Canadair water bombers, four firefighting helicopters and two Dash aircraft.

The fire burned about 60 hectares in Taradeau and then about 120 hectares in Les Arcs-sur-Argens in less than two hours.

Roads into Les Arcs-sur-Argens were closed and rail traffic between Toulon and Les Arcs was suspended.

Source note: AFP news report published on 19 July 2026 at 20:43:19 UTC.