A vegetation fire affected over 1,700 hectares in the Var department, France, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people and leaving 2,300 homes without electricity.

A large-scale vegetation fire broke out on Tuesday on agricultural land in southern France, already consuming over 1,700 hectares in the Var department. The flames spread rapidly, threatening the localities of Cotignac, Correns, and Montfort-sur-Argens, forcing the evacuation of approximately 400 people, especially from Pontevès, the origin of the fire. The prefecture mobilized an impressive number of forces, including 900 firefighters, 350 special vehicles, and 60 gendarmes, supported from the air by planes and helicopters. The fire left behind victims, with six people suffering from mild smoke inhalation. Unpredictable weather conditions complicated the intervention, and the 2026 fire season has proven to be extremely dangerous, with an area affected nationwide of nearly 40,000 hectares. Firefighting efforts continue across the country, in the context of a severe drought and repeated heatwaves.