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Var Mountain Blaze Burns 1,700 Hectares, Forces 400 Evacuations

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

A wildfire in Var’s Gros Bessillon mountain burned 1,700 hectares and forced 400 evacuations on July 21, 2026.
Prefect Simon Barbre said the fire raced down the mountain despite weakening wind.
Fire chief Eric Grohin said 900-950 firefighters and more than 100 aerial drops, including eight Canadair bombers, fought the blaze.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez noted that nearly 40,000 hectares have burned in France since the start of 2026, far more than in 2025.

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Story summary

A wildfire in Var’s Gros Bessillon mountain burned 1,700 hectares and forced 400 evacuations on July 21, 2026.
Prefect Simon Barbre said the fire raced down the mountain despite weakening wind.
Fire chief Eric Grohin said 900-950 firefighters and more than 100 aerial drops, including eight Canadair bombers, fought the blaze.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez noted that nearly 40,000 hectares have burned in France since the start of 2026, far more than in 2025.