The authorities are controlling a large forest fire in southern France

• The fire in southern France has destroyed over 17,000 hectares
• The authorities are controlling the situation, but efforts are ongoing
• Forecasts indicate a spike in temperatures affecting the region

The French authorities announced control over the largest forest fire in the southern region in the last decade. The fire, which broke out in the department of Haute-Vienne, has destroyed over 17,000 hectares of land and resulted in the death of one person, as well as injuries to 13 others.

Firefighters continue to work on-site, and while the fire is being brought under control, nearly 2,000 firefighters remain on standby. According to the words of Christian Puge, the prefect of Haute-Vienne, the likelihood of extinguishing the fire is not expected to be achieved for several days.

The fire started on Wednesday in the Ribérac area and quickly spread between the towns of Narbonne and Carcassonne. 36 buildings have been destroyed, 20 have been damaged, and 54 vehicles and 16 homes have also been affected.

Currently, over 1,500 households remain without electricity. The authorities have restricted access to forests that have been affected by the fire, which is expected to last until the weekend.

In the coming days, temperatures are expected to range from 35 to 41 degrees Celsius, which has forced the national carrier SNCF to cancel several intercity trains in southern France due to potential delays caused by older carriages.

This fire is considered the largest since the establishment of the national database on fires in France in 2006. The Minister of Ecological Transition of France has linked this fire to climate changes, emphasizing that the situation remains tense.

Tags: Europe/Weather