Wildfire in southern France forces evacuation of 2,200 people

A large forest fire broke out in southern France, prompting authorities in the Var department to evacuate 2,200 people from campsites near the commune of Fréjus.

The prefecture of the Var department said in a statement on X that the blaze, which started near Fréjus on July 1, has now been contained.

“Forest fire that broke out near the commune of Fréjus on July 1 has now been contained. As a precautionary measure, 2,200 people were evacuated from campsites,” the statement said.

More than 300 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed to tackle the fire, along with 85 vehicles, three firefighting aircraft and four helicopters.

France has experienced unusually high temperatures in recent days, with multiple heat records broken. Although temperatures have now dropped below 30 degrees Celsius, an “elevated” wildfire risk remains in six southern departments, while three others are on a “high” alert level. Authorities in some areas are already receiving reports of new fire outbreaks, with aircraft and helicopters being used to contain them.

By Tamilla Hasanova