France is battling its largest wildfire of the summer, which has already claimed one life and left 13 others injured, prompting mass evacuations in the southern region of Aude, near the Spanish border.
Authorities described the scenes as “hellish”, as flames tore through Ribaute, with the fire spreading rapidly across forests and villages.
The victim was found dead in his home in the village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, approximately 20 miles north of Perpignan, officials confirmed.
At least 11 firefighters are among the injured, and more than 25 homes have been destroyed. Although one person was initially reported missing, they have since been found safe.
According to France’s Interior Ministry, the fire remains “highly active” and has already scorched 13,000 hectares—an area larger than Paris.
Firefighting Efforts and Conditions
Over 2,000 firefighters and multiple aircraft are engaged in containment and suppression operations.
However, scorching temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds have made it extremely difficult to control the blaze.
Dozens of roads have been closed, and thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from affected areas.
“It’s a scene of sadness and devastation. It looks like a lunar landscape—everything is burned,”
said Jacques Piraux, mayor of Jonquières, on BFM TV.
“More than half, maybe three-quarters of the village is gone. It’s horrifying.”
Climate Change Behind the Crisis
Scientists warn that climate change is significantly increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, making southern Europe far more vulnerable to devastating wildfires.
According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with temperatures rising at twice the global average since the 1980s.
