A massive wildfire raging through southern France has claimed one life and left nine others injured, as hundreds of firefighters struggle to contain the flames. The fire broke out on Tuesday in the Aude department and has since devoured approximately 12,000 hectares of land, making it the largest blaze France has faced this summer. The region, already experiencing a particularly dry and windy season, remains under threat as conditions worsen.
Tragically, an elderly woman lost her life in her home, and two others have sustained injuries, including one individual in critical condition due to severe burns. Seven firefighters have also suffered injuries from smoke inhalation, and authorities have reported one person missing.
More than 1,800 firefighters have been deployed in an intense effort to bring the wildfire under control. Planes have been continuously dumping water over the affected areas, but officials warn that the fire remains active and dangerous. "The fire is still spreading and is far from being contained or under control," said Remi Recio, a senior official in Narbonne. Lucie Roesch from the Aude prefecture added that the operation would remain ongoing for several days, highlighting the complexity of managing such a large and fast-moving blaze.
The impact on local communities has been severe. Around 25 homes have either been destroyed or badly damaged. Evacuations have taken place in several areas, including parts of villages and camping grounds, and multiple roads have been closed for safety. The Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, is set to visit the region to assess the damage and meet with emergency personnel.
This fire is part of a broader pattern, with France having already recorded around 9,000 wildfires this summer, particularly along its Mediterranean coast. The Aude department has become increasingly vulnerable due to prolonged dry spells and changes in land use, such as the removal of vineyards that once helped slow fires.
President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with those affected and called for maximum caution, emphasizing that all national emergency resources have been mobilized. Meanwhile, residents like Aude Damesin from Fabrezan shared their grief, lamenting the loss of wildlife, natural landscapes, and personal property. “It’s terrible for the wildlife, the flora, and for the people who are losing everything,” she said.
As France braces for more high temperatures and strong winds, the threat of flare-ups looms large, and emergency services remain on high alert.
