France battles largest wildfire in decades
France is battling its largest wildfire in decades. At least one person is dead and 13 are injured, including residents and firefighters.
Fueled by a severe drought and dry winds, the inferno has spread rapidly. In just 24 hours, the fire has consumed 16,000 hectares of forest and vegetation.
Apocalyptic images are emerging from southern France, which is being ravaged by a historic wildfire—the most severe in nearly 80 years, according to French authorities. The flames have engulfed forests in the Corbières region of the Aude department, in an area larger than the city of Paris.
Over 2,100 firefighters are battling the blaze in this rural, forested area, known for its vineyards. The fire has destroyed dozens of homes, and many roads in the region have been closed.
One resident, visibly shaken, shared their story: "I'm feeling a little down, but I've looked around and seen houses that are completely destroyed, while mine can still be repaired. My neighbors' homes are completely gone. One of them is in a terrible situation. I'm trying to look at things objectively."
Despite a cooler night, which slightly slowed the fire’s progress, the scale of the disaster remains unprecedented.
Another resident described their experience: "Since last night, when the wind calmed down a bit, my neighbors and I have been fighting the fire that has consumed our pine forests."
"No, I've never seen a fire like this in my life," another local added. "There have been all kinds of fires in Narbonne, but nothing like this. I think more than 10,000 hectares of forest have burned, but I'm not sure. Everything there is burned; it’s a disaster."
Authorities have not ruled out that the death toll could rise, as three people are still missing. An investigation is already underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
