Forest fires scorched about 700 hectares (1,700 acres) of woodland in southeastern France and forced the evacuation of 1,700 people, firefighters said Friday. Firefighters battling the largest blaze in the Var region had a surprise when the flames hit a hidden cache of World War II gunpowder, causing several explosions, according to AP. The blaze, which charred 250 hectares (600 acres), was contained by early Friday. A total of about 1,700 campers and local residents who were evacuated were to be allowed to return home, authorities said. Firefighters in the neighboring Bouches-du-Rhone region contained two separate blazes that ravaged 400 hectares (1,000 acres) on Friday. A day earlier, five firefighters were injured while working to contain the flames. A suspected arsonist was placed under investigation _ one step short of being charged _ over the Bouches-du-Rhone fires. Prosecutors sought to have the 40-year-old man detained pending trial. The suspect was not identified.
