A major fire broke out on Wednesday 29 July in Brignoles, in the Var, a few hours after the announcement that the fire in the Gros Bessillon area had been brought under control. The flames have already ravaged around 100 hectares, leading to the evacuation of more than 650 people and the mobilisation of significant ground and air resources. Two firefighters have been injured, one of whom has suffered multiple fractures, according to the Prefect of the Var.
An exceptional system for containing the flames
No fewer than 250 firefighters have been deployed to the scene, supported by substantial aerial resources: three Canadair, two Dash aircraft and seven helicopters. Their rapid response, praised by the Prefect of the Var, helped to limit the spread of the fire, particularly as the wind had died down. “The fire is less intense and is making little headway,” said the mayor of the town.
Several neighbourhoods evacuated as a matter of urgency
In response to the threat, the prefecture issued alerts FR-ALERT to order the evacuation of the following neighbourhoods: Pélicon, Tombarel, Les Jausserannes, Sainte-Barbe, Les Agasses and Les Petits Ubacs. Residents in these areas have been asked to leave as soon as possible for their own safety. Emergency services remain on standby to bring this incident under control once and for all; the causes have not yet been determined. To follow developments in real time, please visit our map of current fires or report any observations via our reporting platform.