Var region faces critical forest‑fire risk amid heatwave

French authorities warn that the Var department is confronting a critical forest‑fire situation as an early heatwave brings record‑high temperatures, prolonged drought and strong northerly winds. Prefect Simon Babre announced a massive mobilisation of up to 1 500 personnel, 44 forest‑watch patrols and aerial resources, including helicopters and drones, to protect the most vulnerable zones.

Lightning strikes on Tuesday ignited five vegetation fires across the upper Var, burning up to one hectare in Claviers and smaller areas in Brignoles, Carcès, Callas and La Celle. The SDIS 83 deployed specialised fire‑engine trucks, water‑bombing helicopters and drones for real‑time surveillance, and the fires are now largely contained.

The prefecture imposed a departmental order banning all outdoor fires from 1 June to 30 September, while the Hérault, Pyrénées‑Orientales, Aude, Gard, Bouches‑du‑Rhône and Vaucluse were placed under a “danger très élevé” (red) alert by Météo‑France, citing wind gusts of 70‑80 km/h and severe soil dryness. The bulletin warned, “Le passage en niveau rouge … est dû au net renforcement du vent.”

Local municipalities issued red‑vigilance notices, forbidding access to forested areas and the use of any heat‑generating equipment, urging residents to report any smoke immediately.