A devastating wildfire that began sweeping across southern France on Tuesday has now been brought under control, according to local authorities who issued a statement on Thursday. The blaze, which rapidly consumed approximately 16,000 hectares of forest and rural communities—an expanse larger than Paris—prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents and tourists. Tragically, the fire claimed the life of a woman who, officials stated, failed to comply with evacuation orders. Additionally, the blaze caused injuries to 18 individuals, including 16 firefighters, and destroyed 36 homes while damaging 20 more.
Despite progress in containment, firefighters will continue to remain stationed in the affected areas to monitor for potential flare-ups and ensure public safety. Many evacuees remain unable to return to their homes due to lingering hazards such as fallen power lines and structural damage, with several roads still inaccessible. At the peak of the emergency, around 5,000 homes lost electricity, and as of Thursday night, 1,500 households were still without power. One local resident and farmer, Alain Reneau from the severely impacted village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, described the aftermath as apocalyptic. “We have no water, no internet, no electricity. We saved the house, but we fought all night, for two days,” he said.
The wildfire, France's most destructive since 1949, spread quickly due to strong winds and parched vegetation following a prolonged drought in the Mediterranean region. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising above the Aude region, while drone footage revealed vast stretches of scorched earth. Regional deputy prefect Remi Recio noted that the fire’s progress had slowed considerably by Thursday due to a shift in wind patterns, but officials remain cautious. “The battle isn't over yet,” warned Prefect Christian Pouget, stressing that the fire still has the potential to flare up again.
An estimated 2,000 firefighters have been deployed to the scene. While official estimates place the damaged area at 16,000 hectares, some media outlets report it may have reached as much as 17,000 hectares, equivalent to 40,000 acres. Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher attributed the scale of the disaster to climate change, linking it directly to regional drought conditions. “This is a wildfire that is a consequence of climate change,” she said.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Local residents, including 77-year-old retiree Simon Gomez, expressed disbelief at the ferocity of the blaze, calling it unlike anything they had ever seen. According to scientists, the Mediterranean region is becoming increasingly prone to wildfires due to its intensifying summer heat and reduced rainfall.
Meanwhile, weather forecasters are warning of an impending heatwave set to hit other areas in southern France, potentially exacerbating fire risks. Local winemakers and mayors also pointed out that the abandonment of vineyards in the region may have worsened the fire’s spread, as unmaintained land provided fuel for the flames. Vineyard owner Xavier Guille, who actively joined firefighters in combating the blaze, lost surrounding woodland but was able to save his crops. However, his in-laws’ home was one of the first to be destroyed in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. “We’re at war,” he said, “but we will win the war.”
