Gros Bessillon Wildfire in Var Declared Fixed After 18 Days, Firefighters Continue Efforts

The wildfire in the Gros Bessillon massif in the Var region, which began in late July, has been declared "fixed" after more than two weeks of continuous firefighting efforts, according to the prefecture's announcement on August 7, 2026. This status means the fire’s active expansion has been halted, but authorities emphasize that complete containment and extinguishment will take several more days.

Approximately 700 firefighters remain actively engaged on the ground, focusing primarily on treating the fire’s edges and hotspots to prevent any resurgence. The fire has burned an expansive area of 6,300 hectares, making it one of the significant wildfires in the region this summer.

Since the fire broke out, authorities and fire services have been mobilized extensively, dedicating substantial resources to control the blaze under challenging conditions. The prefecture’s recent declaration highlights the progress made but also underscores the ongoing risks.

While the fire is no longer spreading, crews continue to work diligently to secure the perimeter and fully extinguish remaining flames to ensure public safety and protect nearby communities and natural areas. The operation demonstrates the scale and complexity of wildfire management in Var, reflecting the dedication of firefighters over the last 18 days.

Authorities advise that despite this positive development, residents and visitors should remain cautious as firefighting operations continue. The focus remains on vigilant monitoring and rapid response to any flare-ups as the fire is gradually brought under total control.