Deadly wildfire in southern France proving a challenge for firefighters

French officials released footage showing the scale of the wildfire that hit Gonfaron in the south of France earlier this week.

The footage shows firefighters tackling the blaze on Aug. 16, which was the first night of the fire. The Var region’s fire department said that firefighters faced “a virulent, violent fire whose progress was extremely rapid” that night.

The wildfire experienced a lull by the morning of Aug. 20, according to reports, although unfavourable weather conditions in the coming days could cause the fire to spread farther.

Reports said the wildfire spread over 8,100 hectares in the Massif des Maures and the hinterland of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in southern France.

Local media reported that two people had died in the fire, while thousands were evacuated.

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