Hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes after a rapidly spreading wildfire tore through the Var region of southern France, destroying vast areas of forest and prompting a major emergency response.
The blaze burned approximately 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) of woodland within hours, leading authorities to evacuate nearly 400 residents from several communities, including Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens, Correns, Ponteves, and Sillans-la-Cascade.
French officials said the fire spread much faster than expected despite relatively weaker winds. Nearly 1,000 firefighters, supported by Canadair water-bombing aircraft, helicopters, and Dash firefighting planes, were deployed to contain the flames.
Authorities reported that four firefighters and two residents suffered minor smoke inhalation, while one fire engine was damaged during the operation.
France's weather service warned that extremely dry conditions and prolonged heatwaves have created an extreme wildfire risk across the region. Fire crews carried out more than 100 aerial water and fire-retardant drops before aircraft operations were suspended overnight.
The wildfire is one of several major blazes affecting France this year. Officials say nearly 40,000 hectares have already burned nationwide in 2026—far exceeding the total area destroyed by wildfires throughout the previous year.
Firefighters also continue to battle separate wildfires in the French Alps and on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, where dry weather and high temperatures have fueled ongoing outbreaks.
Emergency authorities have urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and remain alert as firefighting efforts continue.
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