Wildfire on France’s Mediterranean Coast Forces Hamlet Evacuations
More than 600 firefighters, backed by water-bombing aircraft, battled the blaze as authorities evacuated 150 people and reported 10 homes burned.
- On Sunday, July 19, a fast-moving wildfire swept through towns near Frejus in France, forcing the evacuation of 150 residents as flames threatened homes and hamlets along the Mediterranean coast.
- Fanned by strong winds and extreme drought, the blaze broke out near Taradeau before jumping to Les Arcs-sur-Argens, where temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius—11.4 degrees above historical norms.
- Var prefect Simon Babre deployed around 615 firefighters backed by five Canadair water bombers and four helicopters to contain the blaze, which scorched about 180 hectares and burned 10 homes.
- Authorities described the situation as "favourable" by late Sunday, though road closures and suspended train services between Toulon and Les Arcs disrupted Mediterranean coastal travel.
- The World Meteorological Organization warned last month that record heat across Western Europe would increase wildfire risks, as local authorities maintained an orange heatwave alert for July 20.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Wildfire on France’s Mediterranean coast forces hamlet evacuations | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
PARIS >> A wildfire swept through towns on France’s Mediterranean coast near Frejus on Sunday, threatening homes and forcing the evacuation of several hamlets as strong winds and drought conditions fuelled its rapid spread, local authorities said.
In the Var, several new fires started on Sunday, a day placed in orange vigilance by Météo-France, and at "extreme" risk at forest fires. The massifs had all been closed preventively. The most virulent, which mobilized more than 600 firefighters on Sunday evening, began at around 15:00, in the commune of Taradeau, at the back of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Attracted by the wind, he "saved" towards the small town of Arcs-sur-Argens and travelled 18…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Parts of France’s Mediterranean coast evacuated as wildfires spread
Large flames advanced behind hillside villas typical of the French Riviera
The evolution of the fire that broke out in the Var on Sunday is favourable, but houses have been affected.
Wildfire on France's Mediterranean coast forces hamlet evacuations
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