Fires in the Var: Emmanuel Macron promises support comparable to that of Gironde

The municipalities of Var hit by the summer fires will benefit from support comparable to that announced for Gironde and Landes. Traveling to Bormes-les-Mimosas on Monday, Emmanuel Macron assured that “the same systems will be put in place”, with “the same support mechanisms for the municipalities, for the economic forces, for our compatriots”.

In recent weeks, several fires have affected the department. The largest covered 6,300 hectares in the Gros Bessillon massif, affecting several villages in Green Provence and requiring eighteen days of fighting by French and European firefighters. “It was the longest fire in the history of Var,” declared the head of state.

“We must remain vigilant”

Around 6,000 people had to be evacuated and dozens of houses were damaged in several towns, notably in Cotignac, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens. Emmanuel Macron spoke earlier in the afternoon with the mayors of the municipalities affected by the fires.

Present in Bormes-les-Mimosas to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the Landing in Provence, the President of the Republic insisted on the need to remain cautious. “The fire came early, earlier than expected… It was terrible,” he said. “We must remain vigilant, we know that the season is not over,” he added, paying tribute to the firefighters, emergency services, military, law enforcement and volunteers mobilized.

“Learn lessons” from these fires

Emmanuel Macron also called for “learning lessons” from these fires. He spoke of the need to “reforest”, to be “even tougher on clearing” and to allow foresters to work in better conditions. The objective is also to help firefighters intervene more quickly and to better organize areas to stop the progression of fires.