The time has now come for feedback
The Gros Bessillon fire, which devastated 5,700 hectares, was officially declared extinguished on August 18 after a month-long battle.
On August 18, after nearly a month of fighting, the prefecture of Var announced the extinction of the Gros Bessillon fire. This is a relief for the populations and emergency services mobilized relentlessly since July 21.
The fire, which had broken out in the municipality of Pontevès, was contained on August 7 and then controlled on August 11. Active surveillance continued until today to eliminate any risk of flare-ups.
A second, more recent outbreak, which had started in Ginasservis on August 14, was also declared extinguished.
11,000 firefighters
The fire that broke out on July 21 in Pontevès required the deployment of more than 11,000 firefighters, supported by major aerial resources (3,800 drops). It led to exceptional mobilization and solidarity.
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This solidarity was expressed through the President of the Republic, who, on August 17, announced to the mayors of the affected municipalities that the same aid schemes deployed in Gironde would be implemented in Var.
This unprecedented fire covered 6,300 hectares and burned 5,700 hectares in the municipalities of Pontevès, Correns, Cotignac, Carcès, Montfort-sur-Argens, Le Val, Châteauvert, and Barjols.
The time for feedback
In the face of this event, the time has now come for feedback. From the end of August, State services, local authorities, and emergency services met to review the operational, organizational, and logistical aspects of actions during the crisis and to draw lessons for the future.
In addition, the Ginasservis fire, caused by lightning in the afternoon of August 14 and contained that same evening after covering 30 hectares, was also officially declared extinguished on August 18.
Thanks from the Prefect of Var
On this occasion, the Prefect of Var expressed his sincere thanks to the firefighters and aircraft pilots whose commitment was exceptional.
He included in these thanks the members of the Gendarmerie nationale, civil and military personnel of civil security, the armed forces, personnel of the prefecture and other State services (including the Police nationale), elected officials and employees of the Department, mayors and their teams, healthcare personnel, farmers, associations, and volunteers who also contributed to the fight against these fires and supported the personnel involved.
Article from the paper edition of La Gazette du Var