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Historic wildfire in Aude threatens resurgence amid heatwave
The largest wildfire in France in decades remains under close surveillance, with more than 1,050 firefighters on alert as rising temperatures could reignite the flames that devastated the southern Aude region earlier this week.
Fire under control but not fully extinguished
Although the fire was contained late Thursday, it will take several days before it can be officially declared extinguished, according to Aude's prefect, Christian Pouget. Speaking on Friday evening, he emphasized, "There is still a lot of work ahead." The blaze, which began on Tuesday, has scorched 16,000 hectares of land, an area equivalent to 160 square kilometers, the Aude prefecture confirmed to Radio France on Saturday morning.
Widespread destruction and evacuations
The wildfire has ravaged the Corbières region, a renowned wine-producing area, burning through 15 municipalities and forcing hundreds to evacuate. Tragically, one person has died, and over 20 others have been injured, including 19 firefighters. More than 30 homes were either damaged or destroyed, leaving approximately 100 households still without electricity as of Saturday morning.
The fire’s perimeter, stretching 90 kilometers at its peak, was stabilized after three days of firefighting efforts. However, authorities warn that a looming heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C, could reignite hotspots and increase the risk of further spread.
Emergency shelters and ongoing risks
Evacuation centers have been set up in 17 municipalities to support displaced residents. While many evacuees were allowed to return to their villages on Friday evening, officials urged caution. Numerous roads remain inaccessible due to damage, and authorities advised residents to wait for official clearance before re-entering affected areas.
The mayor of Tuchan, Béatrice Bertrand, recounted how her village became a refuge for evacuees. "When the fire broke out on Tuesday, we hosted over 200 residents from the neighboring village of Durban-Corbières," she told reporters. "Local businesses provided food, and the civil protection agency delivered beds. Our villagers even opened their homes to the displaced. Many were in shock and frightened during their first night here."
Investigation into the fire’s origins
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the wildfire, which is the most devastating in the Mediterranean region of France in over 50 years, according to government records tracking forest fires since 1973. Speaking to franceinfo, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France's Minister for Ecological Transition, described it as "the most significant wildfire the country has experienced since 1949."