France battles largest wildfire in 75 years

(Web Desk): A massive wildfire that broke out on Tuesday in the Aude region of southern France has so far burned 16,000 hectares (approximately 40,000 acres) of land. It is being described as the largest forest fire in France in nearly 75 years.

According to Reuters and France Info Radio, one woman has died and 13 people, including 11 firefighters, have been injured—two of them critically.

Around 2,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated to safer locations. The intensity of the fire is so great that dozens of homes have been destroyed, and water, electricity, and internet services have been disrupted in some areas.

Meteorologists and France’s Environment Minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, have attributed the spread of the fire to climate change and prolonged drought conditions, with strong winds further fueling the flames.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters are engaged in efforts to control the blaze. Local authorities report that while the spread of the fire has slowed, it is still not fully under control. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, France’s national meteorological service has issued a warning about an incoming new heatwave in parts of southern France, which could persist for several days.