Var fire burns down 170 hectares

Forest fires are a problem in the Var during summer

The first forest fire of the season erupted in the Var yesterday between St-Zacharie and Trets in Bouche-de-Rhônes. No fatalities have been reported, but 400 firefighters, eight airplanes and two helicopters were deployed to extinguish it.

The blaze burned down 170 hectares and authorities were forced to close down the RN560 between 2 and 4pm. A naturist campsite was also evacuated out of precaution. The fire has yet to be extinguished but it has reportedly been contained.

The last terrible fire in the Var was in July 2003, consuming 10,000 hectares and forcing the evacuation of an equal amount of people.