An elderly woman has died and one person remains missing after a massive wildfire tore through parts of the Aude region in southern France, destroying homes, displacing thousands and scorching more than 13,000 hectares of land – an area larger than Paris.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday near the village of La Ribaute, has become the country’s most severe wildfire so far this year. More than 1,800 firefighters, supported by 500 emergency vehicles, are battling the flames as strong winds, parched vegetation and intense summer heat fuel its rapid advance.
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Authorities confirmed that the woman who died was found in her home, unable to escape as the fire approached. Seven firefighters have also been treated for smoke inhalation, and two civilians remain in hospital – one of them in critical condition. Meanwhile, the search continues for a missing resident.
entire villages engulfed.
The worst-hit areas include the villages of Lagrasse, Fabrezan, Tournissan, Coustouge, and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. In Jonquières, mayor Jacques Piraud said that about 80% of the village had been burned.
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“It’s dramatic. It’s black everywhere – the trees are completely charred,” he told Le Monde.
Residents from across the affected areas were forced to flee as flames engulfed their communities. More than 2,500 households are currently without power. Roads have been closed, and officials say it is still far too dangerous for evacuees to return.
Images from the region show scorched buildings, charred cars and residents sitting on beaches as far as three hours away, watching thick plumes of black smoke stretch across the skies.
“This is a disaster of unprecedented scale,” said firefighter spokesman Eric Brocardi in an interview with RTL radio.
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Fighting a fire that won’t quit
Despite continuous water-bombing efforts by aircraft, firefighters say the blaze is far from under control. Secretary-general of the Aude region, Lucie Roesch, said emergency crews were closely monitoring the fire’s perimeter to prevent fresh outbreaks.
“The fire is advancing in an area where all the conditions are ripe for it to progress,” she warned. “It will keep us busy for several days. This is a long-term operation.”
Officials believe the region’s growing vulnerability to wildfires is partly due to changing land use and climate conditions. The removal of vineyards, which once acted as natural firebreaks, and lower-than-average rainfall have created a more combustible landscape.
Macron: all hands on deck
French president Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with local authorities and emergency services, pledging full government support. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Macron urged residents to obey evacuation orders and remain cautious.
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“All state resources are being mobilised,” he said.
As the fire rages on, officials are calling on the public to remain vigilant. With more hot, dry weather expected, France is bracing for what could become a dangerous wildfire season.
