France, July 22 -- The fire swept through wooded hills in the Var region, burning 1,700 hectares in just a few hours and prompting the evacuation of nearly 400 people, according to the local prefet.

"The situation has ‌been very difficult. Some 1,100 firefighters fought ⁠all night," said Commander William Vogl, a spokesperson for the ​Var firefighters, on RMC radio on Wednesday.

Firefighters confirmed that the blaze was contained, although it is still burning.

The Var prefecture said 2,300 households were left without power on Wednesday, mostly in ​the village of Cotignac.

Before aircraft were grounded for the night, firefighting crews carried out more than 100 water and retardant drops using eight Canadair wat...