In the south of France, thousands of people have been brought to safety because of a forest fire. Around 900 firefighters are trying to fight the flames. The prefecture in Toulon announced on Tuesday morning that the fires are not yet under control. Fire-fighting planes and helicopters are also in use. Around 5000 hectares in the hinterland of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez have already been destroyed, and the fires are spreading.
As a precaution, twelve campsites in the region were evacuated. Residents of parts of the cities of Cavalaire and La Croix Valmer were also called on to seek safety. The prefecture emphasized that no one could yet return to their accommodation. According to the broadcaster France bleu 19 people suffered smoke inhalation and three others were slightly injured.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin wanted to visit the affected region on Tuesday. The days leading up to the fires were hot and very dry. The fire broke out near the village of Gonfaron not far from Saint-Tropez on Monday, and strong winds spread the flames quickly. As the local fire department announced, the fire in the region has spread over a distance of 22 kilometers since it broke out.