06 Aug 2025, 12:08
Forest fire in southern France claims the life of one person
- A fire in southern France engulfed an area of over 11,000 hectares.
- One woman has died, and nine others have sustained injuries.
- Nearly 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze under challenging conditions.
In southern France, near the Spanish border, a forest fire is rapidly spreading, which has already claimed the life of one woman and led to the injury of several people. According to local authorities, the fire has spread over an area of more than 11,000 hectares, approximately equivalent to the size of Paris.
The fire broke out on Wednesday in the village of Ribaute, located in the region of Aude. About 1,500 firefighters worked throughout the night to contain the blaze, which remained "very active" in the center, despite unfavorable weather conditions.
As a result of the fire, one elderly woman has died, who was unable to evacuate her home. Additionally, nine people have sustained injuries, two of whom are serious. Approximately 2,500 households have been left without electricity, and the fire has destroyed at least 25 buildings.
In the firefighting efforts, additional resources were involved, including air support for extinguishing the fire. In the region of Aude, operations to extinguish the fire continue, as conditions remain challenging.
This summer in southern Europe has seen several large fires, and experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, making the region more vulnerable to forest fires.
Tags: Europe/Weather