A major wildfire in the Aude region of France, near the Mediterranean and Spain, has become the largest in years, claiming one life and injuring several others, including 11 firefighters. The fire, ignited on Tuesday in the village of Ribaute, has consumed over 16,000 hectares (39,500 acres), an area larger than Paris. By Wednesday, the blaze remained “very active,” exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions, prompting the military to assist in firefighting efforts.
François Bayrou, the French Prime Minister, labeled the situation as “a disaster on an unprecedented scale,” while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the deployment of soldiers to bolster firefighting personnel. Local residents rallied to protect their homes and businesses, describing the alarming speed of the fire. One villager recounted rapid changes in the sky’s color, witnessing flames encroach dangerously close. The mayor of Jonquières reported extensive destruction, with significant portions of the village reduced to ash, characterizing the scene as “hellish.”
Evacuations were ordered for residents and tourists in affected areas, while the environment ministry noted that ongoing drought conditions have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. The incident, the most significant since the establishment of a national fire database in 2006, highlights increased wildfire risks linked to climate change in Southern Europe.
Bayrou visited the fire command center to express “national solidarity” with firefighters and affected residents, emphasizing the economic toll on local wineries and tourism. Scientists warn that climate change is worsening heat and dryness in the region, with rising temperatures making it more susceptible to similar disasters in the future.
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