Fire in the Var: more than 5,500 hectares destroyed by flames, three people slightly injured – franceinfo

The fire that broke out in Gonfaron (Var) has already destroyed more than 5,500 hectares, reports France Bleu Provence, Tuesday August 17 at midday. Half of the Plaine des Maures nature reserve has been devastated. Some 900 firefighters and 120 gendarmes are mobilized, specifies for its part the prefecture of the Var in a situation report in mid-morning. The first ones “fight against fire”, the seconds “secure sites and control access and traffic.”

>> Follow the latest information on the fire in the Var in our direct

“Significant air assets are also at work”, adds the prefecture. “Two Dash arrived in support of the four Canadair: 68 drops have already taken place today” vs “170 yesterday”. “Two water bomber helicopters from the department with the Dragon 83 as well as an aerial reconnaissance aircraft are also in the area”, details the prefecture.

Three people were slightly injured and 19 were poisoned, the prefect of Var said Tuesday morning, specifying that it was a “very provisional assessment”. Seven roads are closed to traffic and overnight evacuees are called to “not to return to their home or their vacation spot”, depending on the prefecture. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, and Emmanuel Macron are expected on site at the end of the afternoon.