France Battles Largest Wildfire in Years as Blaze Spreads Across Drought-Hit Mediterranean Region

France is facing its most severe wildfire in nearly two decades, as a fast-moving blaze in the southern Aude region has already scorched more than 16,000 hectares — an area larger than Paris — and claimed at least one life, injured several others, and forced mass evacuations.

The fire erupted Tuesday near the village of Ribaute and remained “very active” into Wednesday night, according to local authorities. With hot temperatures, strong winds, and extreme dryness fueling the flames, over 2,100 firefighters and multiple water bomber aircraft have been deployed. The French military will begin assisting Thursday, with dozens of soldiers joining the containment effort.

Prime Minister François Bayrou described the situation as “a disaster on an unprecedented scale,” expressing national solidarity as he visited the command center in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse — one of the hardest-hit areas. “It’s a scene of sadness and desolation,” said Jacques Piraux, mayor of nearby Jonquières, where up to 75% of the village is believed to have burned.

Chaos on the Ground

Residents scrambled to save homes and businesses as ash rained down and the sky turned orange. “The sky was blue, and then less than an hour later the sky was orange,” said Andy Pickup, a resident of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. “We could see the fires taking hold on all the hills around… fires in every direction.”

One person died in their home, and at least 13 were injured — including 11 firefighters. Three people remain missing. Entire villages were evacuated, two campgrounds were cleared as a precaution, and residents in nearby areas were advised to stay indoors unless told otherwise.

A Climate-Fueled Crisis

France’s environment ministry confirmed the Aude region has been experiencing extreme drought, with strict water restrictions in place. “The lack of rainfall in recent months played a major role in the spreading of the fire, since the vegetation is very dry,” the ministry noted.

This blaze is now the largest since France began maintaining a national fire database in 2006. It comes amid a summer of widespread wildfires across southern Europe, with scientists attributing the rise in frequency and intensity to climate change. Europe is warming at twice the global average, making it increasingly vulnerable to heatwaves and wildfire outbreaks.

In July, another major fire near the port city of Marseille left around 300 people injured.

Economic and Environmental Fallout

The region, known for its wine industry and tourism, is facing severe economic disruption. “Both sectors are affected,” Bayrou said during his visit, pledging government support as investigations continue into the fire’s cause.

“We’ve lived here for 10 years and we’ve seen nothing like this,” said Pickup. “Summers are getting hotter, there’s less and less rain — and that is a major problem.”

With the wind expected to strengthen, authorities warn that the worst may not be over.