Southern France is grappling with the most devastating wildfire in over seven decades, as flames continue to rage across the Aude region near the village of Ribaute. The fire, which broke out on August 5, has already scorched more than 15,000 hectares of land, surpassing the size of Paris and marking the largest single blaze in the country since 1949.

The inferno has claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman who refused evacuation orders in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. Thirteen others have been injured, including eleven firefighters. One firefighter remains in critical condition due to severe burns. Officials report that over 25 homes have been either destroyed or heavily damaged, with entire villages such as Jonquières nearly wiped out.

More than 2,100 firefighters have been deployed to the region, backed by around 90 aircraft and 40 helicopters. Military reinforcements are being mobilized to support the ongoing emergency response. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister François Bayrou have pledged the full mobilization of national resources. The European Union has also offered assistance.

The wildfire's rapid spread has been fueled by an extreme heatwave, strong winds, and severe drought conditions. Authorities confirm that no rainfall is expected for several days, raising concerns about the fire’s continued expansion. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that the area burned so far exceeds the total area affected by fires across the entire country in some past years.

As a precaution, thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from high-risk areas. Around 2,500 homes are without power, and several major roads have been closed. Emergency shelters have been set up in neighboring towns.

This massive fire is part of a wider pattern of escalating wildfires across southern Europe, including in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey, where climate change is increasingly being cited as a major driver of longer and more intense fire seasons.

Despite relentless efforts, the fire remains uncontained as of August 7. Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and follow all evacuation orders. Weather forecasts suggest that high temperatures and winds will persist, potentially worsening the situation in the days ahead.