A massive wildfire continues to spread across southern France as of Wednesday local time, resulting in one confirmed death, 13 injuries, and at least three people reported missing. The fire has already burned over 16,000 hectares.
According to reports from China News Service, French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin visited the affected areas on Wednesday to assess the situation. Prime Minister Borne described the disaster as “very serious” and said it is the largest wildfire France has faced in over 60 years. The town of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, severely impacted by the blaze, described the wildfire as a “true disaster,” with flames spreading at an “astonishing speed.”
The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the town of Riboulet in the Aude department of the Occitanie region. The wildfire rapidly expanded, growing from hundreds to tens of thousands of hectares within hours. Approximately 2,200 firefighters have been deployed to combat the flames, but the fire remains uncontrolled.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Borne, Interior Minister Darmanin, and Assistant Interior Minister Christophe Béchu inspected the civil defense coordination center in Nîmes, near the southwestern city of Nîmes, and spoke to reporters about the emergency response.
The Aude department authorities reported Wednesday evening that the wildfire has claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. Thirteen people were injured, including 11 firefighters. Several roads affected by the fire have been temporarily closed, and officials have urged residents to stay away from the disaster zone and rely on official sources for updates.
Seventeen temporary shelters opened Wednesday evening to accommodate over 1,700 displaced residents. Authorities warned evacuees that they are not yet allowed to return home.
The French Ministry of Ecological Transition issued a statement on Wednesday noting that strong gusts, dry weather, and persistent drought conditions in southern France since the beginning of the month have contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfire.
