Arson 'seriously considered' as Gros Bessillon blaze becomes the longest wildfire in the Var's history

Investigation points to deliberate ignition

Six deliberate fire starts have been recorded in the Gros Bessillon area since 24 July, including two on 3 August alone, according to the Draguignan prosecutor's office. Pierre Couttenier, the public prosecutor, stated that the hypothesis of voluntary ignition is "seriously considered" in the violent resurgence that began on 31 July. In total, 24 fire starts are under investigation within the Draguignan jurisdiction. The prefect of the Var, Simon Babre, confirmed that a new deliberate start occurred overnight near Montfort-sur-Argens, with another near Barjols.

We have a problem with arsonists, we need to hold the zone to prevent potential arsonists from showing up, particularly in the coming days which are high-risk days.

The scale of the destruction

The Gros Bessillon fire has burned a total of 6,350 hectares, including 1,850 hectares since it reactivated on 31 July, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The initial blaze, which broke out on 21 July, had already consumed 4,500 hectares and affected 70 homes before being fixed at the end of July. On 4 August, the fire was contained but not yet fixed, meaning it could still reignite.

This is the longest fire there has been in the Var since we have had archives on forest and vegetation fires.

The battle on the ground

More than 1,000 firefighters remained mobilized on 4 August, a figure Nuñez later updated to 1,250. They are supported by three helicopters, a command helicopter, and a drone unit working to locate all remaining hotspots. Two Canadair planes and two water-bomber helicopters are also engaged in the operation. A firefighters' spokesperson told Agence France Presse that the work will continue from day into night for several more days, cautioning against any triumphalism.

We absolutely must not be triumphalist, so we must remain very cautious.

Gendarmes have multiplied patrols at intersections like the one at the entrance to Correns, where residents have returned after being evacuated over the weekend. Officers are stopping vehicles, checking identification, and asking drivers to open their trunks. Captain Mickaël Tourbier, commanding the Brignoles company, explained that the goal is to regulate traffic and determine who is transiting the area and why. The sheer size of the perimeter makes the task daunting.

We have edges that are more than 200 kilometers long, the territory to cover is colossal.

A national tally of arrests and fires

Nuñez announced that 402 people have been arrested in connection with fires and fire starts across France since the start of summer, 156 of them minors. Of those arrested, 36 are in detention, either convicted or awaiting trial. The national total stands at 14,540 fires or fire starts for the season. In the Var, a 23-year-old man suspected of starting about ten deliberate fires between 19 and 24 July was arrested on 25 July, indicted, and placed in pre-trial detention.

Compounding weather risks

The Var remains under an orange heatwave alert, with temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius on 5 August. A low humidity rate and difficult terrain in the Gros Bessillon massif are increasing the risk of further flare-ups. The mistral wind is forecast for Thursday, adding to the concern. Prefect Babre noted that the commune of Correns has been the most impacted, with 52 percent of its surface area burned after enduring three successive fire assaults in a matter of days.