Var wildfire: Firefighters prepare for critical days as strong winds return
Firefighters have strengthened defences ahead of the return of strong Mistral winds as authorities warn Thursday and Friday will be critical days in the battle against the Gros Bessillon wildfire in the Var.
Firefighters battling the Gros Bessillon wildfire in the Var spent Wednesday strengthening defences ahead of what authorities have described as two particularly high-risk days, with strong Mistral winds expected to return on Thursday and Friday.
Listen to this article
After a relatively calm day with no major flare-ups, around 800 firefighters, supported by 250 emergency vehicles, water-bombing helicopters, two Canadair aircraft and a Dash surveillance plane, focused on securing the fire perimeter, extinguishing hotspots, opening access tracks and laying kilometres of hose lines in areas most at risk.
The priority is to reinforce containment lines along the southern and south-eastern edges of the fire, where westerly winds of up to 50 km/h, combined with temperatures approaching 40°C, could reignite the blaze.
The wildfire has burned around 6,350 hectares since it first broke out on 21 July, including 1,850 hectares following a major flare-up at the end of July.
While the situation has stabilised in recent days, officials stress the fire is not yet under control.
The dangerous conditions were highlighted on Wednesday afternoon when a truck tyre burst on the RD43 near Camps-la-Source, sparking a separate vegetation fire.
Thanks to the rapid intervention of 150 firefighters, supported by helicopters and a Dash aircraft, the blaze was contained after burning five hectares.
As a precaution, eight of the Var's nine forest massifs will be closed on Thursday, with four classified as being at extreme wildfire risk: Les Maures, Sainte-Baume, Centre-Var and Haut-Var. Two roads also remain closed around the Gros Bessillon fire zone.
Several municipalities have also cancelled or postponed planned fireworks displays to reduce the risk of new fires and allow emergency services to remain focused on the ongoing wildfire response.
The Var Prefecture is once again urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution by avoiding any activity that could start a fire, including lighting barbecues, carrying out work that produces sparks or throwing cigarette butts on the ground.
Meanwhile, psychological support has been made available for residents affected by the wildfire.
A dedicated hotline has been set up by the Medical-Psychological Emergency Unit (CUMP), with in-person support sessions scheduled in several affected communities over the coming days.