France wildfire races toward Cotignac and other towns, forcing hundreds to flee homes

A fast-moving wildfire in southern France has compelled hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes as flames surge through forested hills. Authorities in the Var department reported that nearly a thousand firefighters, aided by eight water-bombing aircraft, are engaged in a fierce battle against the blaze.

The fire is reportedly spreading with extreme speed across the wooded slopes near Cotignac, a town situated inland between Marseille and Cannes. Within a matter of hours, the flames have consumed approximately 1,700 hectares of land. Around 400 people have been urgently evacuated from their homes.

"The fire is moving down the Gros Bessillon mountain at very high speed. The speed was absolutely not predictable," stated Simon Babre, the prefect of Var. Three villages, including Cotignac, are currently under threat from the advancing flames.

In a separate incident, a wildfire also affected the Forest of Fontainebleau, south of Paris. A member of the volunteer fire brigade confessed to starting a fire in the forest using a lighter and gasoline. The prosecutor's office in Fontainebleau reported that six suspects were taken into police custody. One individual admitted to accidentally starting a fire by discarding a cigarette butt.

The Forest of Fontainebleau is a popular recreational area for Parisians. Despite prohibitions against camping and barbecuing in the forest, many visitors disregard these rules.

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The fire is moving down the Gros Bessillon mountain at very high speed. The speed was absolutely not predictable.