A massive wildfire has erupted in southern France’s Aude region, near the Spanish border, consuming over 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of forest and scrubland. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and scorching summer temperatures, has destroyed multiple homes, injured at least two people one of them critically and forced emergency evacuations across several towns.

Authorities have mobilized hundreds of firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters, in a desperate attempt to contain the inferno. Local officials described the fire as “one of the most intense in recent years,” as flames threatened both residential areas and vital infrastructure.

“The situation remains extremely dangerous,” said a spokesperson for the regional fire department. “Efforts to control the fire are ongoing, but the wind and dry conditions are making containment difficult.”

Residents Evacuated as Fire Intensifies

Residents in several communes have been ordered to evacuate as fire crews battle to protect lives and property. Emergency shelters have been set up, and local roads have been closed to allow unhindered access for emergency vehicles.

Eyewitnesses report scenes of chaos, with thick smoke blanketing the sky and ash falling like snow across nearby villages. Some residents were forced to flee with only the clothes on their backs.

A Region on Fire

This fire comes amid a broader crisis sweeping across southern Europe, where record-breaking heatwaves and prolonged drought conditions have dramatically increased wildfire risk.

France, along with Spain, Greece, and Turkey, has seen a sharp rise in wildfires over the past two months. In July, separate fires near Marseille and Narbonne also caused significant damage and temporary airport closures.

Environmental experts have warned that the scale and frequency of these fires signal a worrying trend linked to climate change.

Ongoing Response and Outlook

Firefighting efforts are continuing into the night, with reinforcements arriving from neighboring departments. Officials have not ruled out calling for military assistance if conditions worsen.

So far, no fatalities have been reported, but authorities are urging residents to remain alert and follow all evacuation orders and safety advisories.

The full extent of the damage will become clearer once the fire is brought under control, but officials fear that the ecological and economic toll will be severe.

Summary:

Location: Aude region, near France-Spain border

Area burned: 4,000+ hectares

Casualties: 2 injured (1 critically), homes destroyed

Response: Major firefighting deployment, evacuations ongoing

Cause: Heatwave, drought, and wind-driven spread