Key points
- The blaze started on Tuesday afternoon
- It is still threatening several villages in Aude
- 1,500 firefighters have been battling to extinguish it
ISLAMABAD: A wildfire in southern France slowed overnight into Wednesday after injuring nine people and burning through 11,000 hectares of vegetation, local officials said.
The blaze, which started on Tuesday afternoon, is still threatening several villages in the Aude department, where 1,500 firefighters have been battling to extinguish it, according to AFP.
“The fire is advancing in an area where all the conditions are ripe for it to progress. We are monitoring the edges and the back of the fire to prevent flare-ups,” said Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture.
“Long-term operation”
She said firefighters are expecting to receive aerial support at dawn, but warned “this fire will keep us busy for several days. It’s a long-term operation”.
The fire’s advance slowed overnight due to high humidity levels, she added.
One person was seriously burned and another injured, the prefecture said, adding that seven firefighters were also hurt.
Camping grounds and one village were partially evacuated, and several local roads have been closed.
“All of the Nation’s resources are mobilised,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X, while calling on people to exercise “the utmost caution”.
L’incendie dans l’Aude progresse.
Tous les moyens de la Nation sont mobilisés. Soutien à nos sapeurs-pompiers ainsi qu’à nos forces luttant contre les flammes. Confiance au gouvernement et aux élus, pleinement engagés.
Dans cette épreuve,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 5, 2025
The Aude department has seen an increase in areas burnt in recent years, aggravated by low rainfall and the removal of vineyards, which used to help break the progression of fires.
Popular tourist destination
Southern France is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning coastline, charming villages, and vibrant culture. Key attractions include the French Riviera, Provence, and the Camargue region.
It offers beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
According to Reuters, the number of fires in Europe has also surged this year so far, with 1,118 blazes detected as of July 8, versus 716 in the same period last year, EFFIS said.
It’s not yet clear if 2025 will be a record year, as that will depend on how the fire season evolves in the coming months.
