France’s fast-moving wildfire forces hundreds to evacuate as flames spread

A fast-moving wildfire that erupted in the Var department (Mediterranean region) in southern France on Tuesday has burned more than 2,500 hectares and forced 400 people to flee their homes, local authorities said on Wednesday.

“The situation has been very difficult. Some 1,100 firefighters fought all night,” said Commander William Vogl, a spokesperson for the Var firefighters, on RMC radio.

The fire was not yet contained on Wednesday morning, but winds should be “more favourable” today despite high temperatures, he said.

Authorities in the Var region said 2,300 households were left without power on Wednesday, mostly in the village of Cotignac.