Wildfire Scorches Southern France

A fast-moving wildfire in the Var department in southern France has burned more than 2,500 hectares of woodland and forced authorities to evacuate approximately 400 residents. The areas worst affected are around the villages of Pontevès, Cotignac, Sillans-la-Cascade, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens.

About 1,100 firefighters battled the blaze overnight. Although the fire had not been fully contained by Wednesday morning, a spokesperson said more favorable wind conditions should help bring it under control.

The fire also caused extensive damage to infrastructure. More than 2,300 households were left without electricity, with the town of Cotignac the hardest hit.

(Reuters, Max)