Fires: six months later | M6 | Zone Interdite

On July 28, 2003, fire sent the whole region from Sainte-Maxime to Fréjus aflame and hundreds of fire-fighters from all over France were mobilized to fight the fire. Our cameras returned to the site six months later. The catastrophe was still very present in the minds of all who had lived through it. In the Var, the result was catastrophic: seven people including three firemen lost their lives. At the Dumas family whose house had been encircled by flames for 45 minutes, the little Illona no longer draws pictures of her father in the flames. However, the dryness of the climate has made them more vigilant and they have added fire protection to their home. Robert Chaix whose campground was entirely burned has begun reconstruction: 900 trees cut down, and a big loan. The reopening of the campground is scheduled for the 2004 summer season. At the Sainte-Maxime stud farm, the horses remain troubled but luckily, they were all saved. Since the catastrophe, Georges and Laurence have received no income, no assistance, and have seen their business collapse.