Fast-moving wildfire forces hundreds of evacuations in southern France

PARIS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 22nd Jul, 2026) A fast-moving wildfire tore through southern France, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes as nearly 1,000 firefighters and water-bombing aircraft battled to contain the blaze.

The fire swept through wooded hills in the Var region, burning 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) in just a few hours and prompting the evacuation of nearly 400 people, the area's top official said.

"The fire is moving down Gros Bessillon mountain at a very fast speed, which was not at all anticipated given the climatic conditions and weakening wind," said Simon Barbre, prefect for the region between Marseille and Nice.

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He said evacuations took place around the villages of Cotignac, Montfort-sur-Argens and Correns. Many of those moved to safety came from Pontèves, where the fire started, and the nearby village of Sillans-la-Cascade.

More than 2,300 homes were without power, the prefecture said overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.