A massive wildfire broke out near the village of La Ribote in France’s southern Aude region on Tuesday, claiming the life of an elderly woman. Another person remains missing as the flames continue to spread rapidly.
So far, more than 13,000 hectares of land—an area larger than the city of Paris—have been scorched. At least 25 homes have been destroyed, and over 2,500 households are currently without electricity.
More than 1,800 firefighters and 500 emergency vehicles have been deployed to battle the blaze. Extreme heat, dry vegetation, and strong winds are fueling the fire’s rapid advance and complicating containment efforts.
The areas hardest hit include Lagrasse, Fabrezan, Tourniissan, Coustouge, and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. Jacques Pirot, mayor of Jonquières, stated that nearly 80% of his village has been burned. “It’s devastating—black ash everywhere and the trees have been reduced to cinders,” he said.
Seven firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation, with two hospitalized. One of them is reportedly in critical condition.
Eric Brocardi, spokesperson for the French fire service, described the situation as “an unprecedented disaster.” President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with local responders and urged citizens to remain cautious.
Experts note that reduced rainfall in recent years and the removal of old vineyards have made the region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires.
Source: BBC