Fires in the Var: the mayor of Aubagne seized firefighting equipment for his secondary residence

French authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that Aubagne’s mayor, Jean-Pierre Squillari, used fire department equipment to protect his secondary residence during the massive wildfires that swept through the Var region last month. The case was referred to prosecutors in Marseille after SOS Corruption 13, a local anti-corruption watchdog, filed a formal complaint. According to documents obtained by Le Figaro, the mayor admitted in a statement to Ici Provence that he borrowed firefighting gear, including a portable pump, three 20-meter hoses, and a fire nozzle, to safeguard his cabin in Barjols, which was directly threatened by the flames. However, he denied ordering the equipment to be made available, claiming instead that he used it voluntarily. The incident comes amid widespread scrutiny over the handling of the wildfires, which raged for 18 days and caused extensive damage across the Var region. The fire, known as the Gros Bessillon blaze, began on July 21 in the village of Pontèves, located in the heart of the “green Provence” area. It quickly escalated, spreading over approximately 6,300 hectares and forcing the evacuation of more than 6,000 residents. At its peak, the fire destroyed 70 homes, with 41 completely demolished. Firefighters from across France and Europe were deployed to contain the blaze, with a total of 11,200 personnel involved in the effort. According to the Var prefecture, the response included 4,250 local firefighters, 6,870 reinforcements from other parts of France, and 100 European firefighters. The prolonged nature of the fire has raised questions about preparedness and resource allocation, particularly given the scale of destruction and the number of people affected. The mayor, who previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the fire department, faces potential legal consequences under French law, which prohibits the misuse of public resources by officials. SOS Corruption 13 emphasized in their complaint that the law explicitly criminalizes the diversion or removal of property entrusted to individuals holding public authority or tasked with public service missions. The organization highlighted that such actions could constitute a serious offense, potentially leading to charges of abuse of power or misuse of public funds. The mayor's admission of borrowing the equipment, even if not ordered, raises concerns about the appropriate use of emergency resources during a crisis. The fire in the Var region occurred against a backdrop of increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across southern Europe. In Croatia, for instance, a separate wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 people along the Adriatic coast, resulting in at least one death and 40 injuries. Croatian authorities described the blaze as one of the worst in the country’s history, requiring round-the-clock efforts by firefighters to prevent further spread. These incidents underscore the growing challenge posed by climate change and environmental degradation, which have contributed to more severe and unpredictable weather patterns conducive to large-scale fires. In Aubagne, the mayor’s alleged actions have sparked debate about accountability and transparency in times of crisis. While some residents expressed frustration over the perceived prioritization of private interests over public safety, others defended the mayor’s intentions, noting that the fire had already reached his property. Local officials have called for patience while the judicial process unfolds, emphasizing the need for due diligence before making any final judgments. As the investigation proceeds, prosecutors will examine whether the mayor’s use of the equipment violated any regulations or ethical guidelines. If found guilty, he could face disciplinary action or legal penalties. Meanwhile, the broader implications of the case remain unclear, though it has undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions about disaster management and the responsibilities of public officials during emergencies.