France Battles Largest Wildfire in 76 Years, 40,000 Acres Burned

Kokcha News Agency: France is facing its most devastating wildfire in decades, with hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly to control the massive blaze in the southern region. French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who visited the affected area, described the fire as a “disaster of unprecedented scale.” Civil Defense Chief Julien Marion stated that this is the largest wildfire France has seen since 1949.

The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the municipality of Ribaute in the Aude region. According to officials, one person has died, 13 others have been injured (including two civilians), and three people remain missing. Two of the injured are still in critical condition.

The wildfire, fueled by hot weather and strong winds, has spread across more than 16,000 hectares (approximately 40,000 acres) and affected 15 municipalities. Bayrou linked the recent surge in wildfires to climate change and drought, which have exacerbated the situation.

Initial reports indicate that dozens of homes and around 40 vehicles have been destroyed by the fire.

Firefighting Efforts and Warnings
Over 2,100 firefighters, military units, and aircraft have been deployed to combat the blaze. Improved weather conditions overnight helped slow the fire’s progression, but authorities have warned residents to stay indoors or avoid returning to the area if they have been evacuated.

Strong winds, expected to reach speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour by midday, could reignite the fire, posing further risks.