France Battles Renewed Wildfire in Var as Gironde Blaze Contained

Firefighters are facing a fierce battle in the Var region of southern France, where a wildfire has reignited and is spreading with alarming speed. Prefect Simon Babre described the blaze, known as the Gros Bessillon fire, as moving "faster than a galloping horse" and defying experience. This renewed outbreak threatens villages and comes as the department, one of France's most wooded, grapples with the aftermath of fires that destroyed nearly 5,600 hectares in July.

Significant reinforcements are expected to arrive on Saturday to support the 720 firefighters already on the ground. A substantial aerial fleet, including six water-bombing helicopters, six Canadairs, and two Dash aircraft, is also engaged in the firefighting efforts. Around 2,500 residents have been evacuated from areas including Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Gironde region has improved, with the massive wildfire there now contained. Authorities and firefighters are optimistic about gaining full control soon, aided by favorable weather conditions. Of the 220,000 people evacuated earlier in July, about 90% have been permitted to return to their homes. Two areas, along the coast near Porge and south of Lacanau, remain under close surveillance.

In a related development, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 308 arrests have been made in connection with fire outbreaks across France. Investigations suggest that roughly two-thirds of these fires may have been intentionally set, leading to 33 detentions.

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faster than a galloping horse, defies understanding and defies the experience of the inhabitants