France Heatwave Update: Yesterday, a deadly blaze caused by the heatwave erupted in south of France’s Var region. Now, the fire has lingered over a second consecutive day as rescue operations, trying to extinguish the fire intensified. Meanwhile, the country’s main agency Meteo France has extended orange alerts for 6 departments in the Southern region
France Heatwave Update: What Happened in Mediterranean Var?
Yesterday afternoon, a fast moving fire erupted at a forest in Southern France’s Mediterranean Var region and quickly blazed out of control. The area is located close to the French city of Draguignan, and a part of the French Riviera, a major tourist region.
Var Wildfire Latest News: What Caused the Fire?
Authorities have launched an official probe to determine what exactly caused the fire. But according to local reports, a combination of factors which include the ongoing heatwave, a heavy vegetation drought and strong winds were all factors which culminated in the catastrophic wildfire.
Var Wildfire Latest News: Impact of the Fire
According to French authorities, the wildfire has burned over 10 homes in the area so far and damaged at least 9 others. It also burned around 60 hectares (150 acres) in Taradea and 120 hectares in Les-Arcs-sur-Argens. As a result, dozens of people from nearby towns had to be evacuated. They also said that despite extinguishing efforts, strong winds will most likely intensify the wildfire. Firefighting planes and helicopters are still on the site, trying to contain the blaze.
France Heatwave Latest Update: Weather Forecast for Southwestern France
It looks like Southern France won’t be getting any respite from either the heat or the wildfires. Meteo France, the state weather agency of France has extended orange related to the heatwave, a (a cause for the area’s wildfires) in the following areas:
-
Bouches du Rhone
-
Var
-
Herault
-
Gard
-
Couse du Sud
-
Vaucluse
-
Haute Corse
A high risk alert for wildfires has also been issued for the Southeast and Centre Ouest regions. Temperatures might peak between 38°Celsius to 40°Celsius, with not much likelihood of a drop.
French Authorities Response
French authorities are treating the wildfire with urgency. Over 615 firefighters, including some from neighbouring departments, were deployed in rescue efforts.
Authorities have evacuated 150 people from two affected towns as a precaution. They have described the current status of mitigation efforts as ‘favourable’ but not fully under control. Transport services in the area are also operating with limited capacity.
These are all the developments so far. Other details of the wildfire will be added as per future developments.
