Breaking News: Major Wildfire in Var Department, France
A significant wildfire has erupted in the Pontevès commune of the Var department in southeastern France. The fire is currently out of control and spreading rapidly, according to the PSFDF volunteer association, which monitors fires across the country.
In response to the blaze, 600 firefighters and rescue personnel have been dispatched to the scene. So far, 150 people have been evacuated from nearby areas.
This year, France has experienced nearly 11,000 wildfires, marking the highest number since World War Two, as reported by President Emmanuel Macron. Recent satellite data indicates that over 42,000 hectares (approximately 103,784 acres) have burned in France from January to mid-July, surpassing the previous record set in 2022.
The ongoing heatwaves in Europe, attributed to climate change, have contributed to these intense wildfires. This summer’s extreme temperatures have not only affected France but have also led to devastating wildfires in Spain, where at least 13 fatalities have been reported. A massive fire near Madrid has destroyed about 29,000 hectares of land.
