Unprecedented wildfire in France’s Corbières hills claims life as firefighters battle on VIDEO

Hundreds of firefighters are engaged in a relentless battle against the largest and fastest-spreading wildfire of the summer in southern France, which has already claimed one life and injured nine others.

The blaze erupted on August 5 in the village of Ribaute, located in the Aude department near the Spanish border, and has since scorched an extensive area of 13,000 hectares in the Corbières hills, a region renowned for its vineyards and medieval villages, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The fire's rapid spread through the rural and wooded landscape has caused significant devastation, destroying or damaging at least 25 homes. Tragically, a woman died in her home, and one person remains in critical condition with severe burns. Several firefighters also sustained injuries during the operation.

Describing the crisis, firefighter spokesperson Eric Brocardi said: “This is a disaster of unprecedented scale,” adding that the fire was advancing at a rate of 3.4 mph (5.5 km/h). Local authorities confirmed that the wildfire remained “very active” as of August 6. Remi Recio, an official from Narbonne, warned, “The fire is still spreading and is far from being contained or under control.”

Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture, emphasized the challenges faced: “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.” She also cautioned, “This fire will keep us busy for several days. It’s a long-term operation.”

Efforts to contain the blaze have included aerial water drops, but officials expect adverse weather conditions—strong winds, rising temperatures, and dry vegetation—to complicate firefighting efforts. Authorities have ordered partial evacuations of camping grounds and at least one village, closing several roads. Residents and tourists were urged to stay indoors unless instructed otherwise.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed the government’s full commitment, stating on social media, “All of the nation’s resources are mobilised,” and called for “the utmost caution.” Prime Minister François Bayrou was scheduled to visit the affected area.

The Aude department has seen a troubling increase in wildfires in recent years, exacerbated by low rainfall and the removal of vineyards that once slowed fires’ advance. Local resident Aude Damesin lamented, “I find it tragic to see so many fires since the beginning of the summer. It’s terrible for the wildlife, the flora and for the people who are losing everything.”

By Vafa Guliyeva