a practice shot triggers a wildfire in a military camp, 200 hectares affected

Since this Saturday morning, a fire has been spreading in the Canjuers military camp in the Var, indicates the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (Sdis), under the gaze of 95 mobilized but helpless firefighters. The firefighters cannot intervene since the fire is evolving in _“an area polluted with explosives and unexploded ordnance”_, explains the Sdis du Var. There have been many explosions since the start of the fire and an intervention would be too dangerous.

The firefighters will be able to intervene once the fire is out of this dangerous zone, which should take place before 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, estimates Captain Olivier Pécot, in charge of communication for Sdis 83. The firefighters will be able to intervene at that time, even if ‘“they will do everything to stop it before”. Of the air reinforcements are engaged. So far, 200 hectares of vegetation have burned.

The fire was started shortly after 9 a.m. by a shot during military training. Two flocks of sheep were brought to safety by the firefighters, i.e. 2,500 animals.


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