France: Wildfires largely contained; evacuees return to Bormes-les-Mimosas /update 3

Event

Firefighters in southeastern France contained a massive forest fire in Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var department, on Thursday, July 27. Local authorities have allowed evacuees to return to the Bormes-les-Mimosas region. Three major fires are also reportedly under control in the Bouches-du-Rhône region.

Meanwhile, firefighters are reportedly still working to contain a fire in the Artigues region.

The massive forest fires struck amid peak tourist season in southeastern France.  A fire erupted in Bormes-les-Mimosas, on Tuesday, July 25, at approximately 22:00 (local time), destroying 800 hectares of land and forcing the evacuation of some 12,000 people overnight. Meanwhile, a violent fire struck the village of Carro (Bouches-du-Rhône) on Wednesday, July 26, forcing villagers to evacuate. Furthermore, hundreds of homes have been evacuated in Corsica.

Although no fatalities have been reported, at least twelve firemen have been injured, and fifteen police officers became ill due to smothering smoke in their attempts to control the blaze.

All of southeast France remains on high alert due to the heightened risk of fires. Since June, the south of Europe has been affected by a wave of wildfires due to strong winds, dry conditions, and severe temperatures.

Advice

Individuals are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas affected by wildfires, to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and to keep abreast of the situation.