France wildfires: Var blaze spread stops after burning 1,800 hectares

The wildfire in Var has burned around 1,800 hectares, but firefighters said on Sunday morning that the blaze had not spread overnight and that most evacuation orders had been lifted.

Strong winds, dry vegetation and very high temperatures fuelled the fire as it spread around Montfort-sur-Argens, Carcès, Correns and neighbouring communities. Firefighters continue to tackle hotspots and secure the fire's perimeter in the Gros Bessillon area.

Var prefect Simon Babre said on Sunday morning that "there has been no change to the fire's perimeter", allowing authorities to lift most evacuation orders. However, he warned that the fire remains active and that crews are continuing to deal with hotspots and the fire's edges.

A major emergency response remains in place, with 1,500 firefighters deployed, supported by four Canadair water-bombing aircraft, two Dash aircraft and five water-bombing helicopters. A firefighting unit from the Paris region, previously deployed in Gironde, joined operations in the Var on Sunday morning.

However, the high temperatures, strong winds and dry vegetation continue to complicate operations.

Twenty departments remain under an orange heatwave alert on Sunday, mainly across the south-east, the Rhône valley, the Alps and Corsica. After a brief respite on Saturday, a fresh surge of hot air from North Africa is pushing temperatures up by around 5C in many areas.

Afternoon highs of 35C to 38C are expected across much of southern and eastern France, with temperatures of 30C to 34C elsewhere.

Only the Channel coast and western Brittany are forecast to remain significantly cooler, at 24C to 29C.

Isolated but potentially strong thunderstorms are also forecast to develop over the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps and Corsica later on Sunday, bringing a risk of hail and strong wind gusts. Forecasters warn that storms are likely to become more widespread on Monday as the heat persists.

Support for residents affected by smoke

A total of 2,500 protective masks have been taken from emergency stocks, with 500 provided to the gendarmerie for personnel involved in operations and 2,000 distributed in Montfort-sur-Argens for residents and neighbouring communities.

Further deliveries are planned for Correns, Cotignac and other communes.

Authorities continue to urge residents to follow instructions from emergency services as the fire remains under close surveillance.

The Var prefecture has closed all forest massifs in the department, with access, traffic and works prohibited in affected areas.

Several motorway rest areas have also been closed as a precaution, including areas along the A57 and A8 motorways.

France's wildfire situation 'under control'

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Sunday that wildfires across France were now "under control", while stressing that the situation remained "very changeable" because of weather conditions.

He said the situation in Gironde had returned to a more stable phase, although authorities remained ready to reintroduce emergency measures if conditions worsened.

The government also announced that a national reconstruction coordinator will be appointed to oversee rebuilding work in areas devastated by this year's fires.

Since the beginning of 2026, more than 117,000 hectares have burned across France, making it one of the country's worst wildfire years on record.

Gironde wildfire remains contained

In Gironde, the major wildfire that burned around 42,000 hectares has been declared contained, although firefighters continue monitoring for flare-ups.

More than 208,000 people who were evacuated at the height of the crisis have now been allowed to return home, while some areas around Lège-Cap-Ferret remain closed because of the risk of the fire reigniting.

Prime Minister Lecornu also urged holidaymakers not to avoid the department, describing visiting Gironde as "an act of solidarity" with businesses affected by the fires.

The map below shows wildfires currently burning in France. Red indicates ongoing fires and black fires that have recently been extinguished.

You can also see the live version of the map on feuxdeforet.fr.