Fires in Var and Corsica: Hundreds of Hectares Burn, 150 People Evacuated

Intense heat and dry vegetation have ignited significant wildfires in southern France, with blazes raging in the Var region and remote mountainous areas of Corsica. The fires, exacerbated by windy conditions, have forced evacuations and damaged property.

In the Var department, the most severe fire began in Taradeau and quickly spread towards the town of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, covering 180 hectares in under two hours. Over 600 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames. The fire reached a peri-urban area, damaging ten houses while firefighters managed to save sixty others. Approximately 150 people were evacuated and sheltered in local community halls and a school. As of Sunday evening, the fire, which had burned nearly 200 hectares, was not yet fully contained but authorities described the situation as "favorable."

Meanwhile, in northern Corsica, isolated mountain areas are also battling infernos. Two fires, initially sparked by lightning on July 12, remain active. The fire in Albertacce has continued to advance, burning approximately 326 hectares in a sector where firefighting operations are severely hampered by steep terrain and difficult access. The Haute-Corse prefecture noted that these conditions complicate containment efforts.

These Corsican fires have led to the closure of several hiking trails, including a section of the renowned GR20 long-distance path. Over 160 firefighters, supported by numerous ground vehicles and aerial resources like water-dropping planes and helicopters, were engaged in battling the blaze. The article notes that several European countries, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Germany, are also experiencing forest fires, largely attributed to the increasing frequency of heatwaves and drought linked to climate change.

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The steep reliefs, the difficulties of access to the hotspots as well as the conditions for the spread of the fire complicate the fight operations.