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Firefighters Contain France's Largest Wildfire in Decades, Brace for Renewed Threat
8 Aug
Summary
- Massive wildfire in France's Aude wine region contained after 3-day blaze
- Fire claimed 1 life, forced hundreds to evacuate, and damaged/destroyed 36 homes
- Authorities warn of renewed outbreak as temperatures are expected to soar again
In a major relief effort, firefighters in France have successfully contained the country's largest wildfire in decades, which had been raging for three days across more than 160 square kilometers of the Aude wine region. The devastating blaze, fueled by hot and dry conditions, claimed one life and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
Despite the containment, local authorities are maintaining a high state of alert, as forecasts of soaring temperatures over the weekend raise fears of a renewed outbreak. Region administrator Christian Pouget revealed that around 1,000 people have not yet been able to return to their homes, with 15 communes in the Corbières mountain region affected by the fire.
The inferno, which saw its perimeter reach 90 kilometers, destroyed or damaged at least 36 homes, and injured 13 people, including 11 firefighters. Residents who were forced to evacuate have been housed in emergency shelters across 17 municipalities, with local businesses and villagers offering support and shelter.
Authorities have urged continued vigilance, as many roads remain blocked and dangerous. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, which has been described as the largest recorded since France's national fire database was created in 2006.
