Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze in France on Challenging Day
Wildfire in Southern France Hits Heatwave, Human and Livestock Casualties
Fire’s Reach and Firefighting Forces
The blaze has scorched 16,000 hectares within the Aude department, the largest wildfire in half a century. Although the fire no longer spreads, it still burns within the affected area and is expected to remain uncontrolled until Sunday evening.
Heat, Winds, and Risk of Re‑ignition
- Hot, dry tramontane winds on Sunday match those that began the blaze.
- Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 °C this weekend and the Monday forecast is the hottest day nationwide.
- Authorities have mobilised 1,300 firefighters to keep the blaze from reigniting, fearing that winds could fan lingering hotspots.
Casualties and Injuries
- One person died, a 65‑year‑old woman found dead in her home in Saint‑Laurent‑de‑la‑Cabrerisse.
- One resident suffered serious burns, while four others were lightly injured.
- 19 firefighters were hurt, including one with a head injury.
Livestock Losses Fuel Anger Among Farmers
Emmanuelle Bernier, a livestock farmer in Fontjoncouse, lost 17 goats and 20 sheep as the fire destroyed her grazing land. She stated she would change jobs because the fire “changed her whole life.”
Bernier’s property now retains only a few geese and two sick goats; the damage prevented the sheep from staying. She expressed some hope that “there’s still a little life left.”
Expert Assessment
European countries are becoming increasingly vulnerable as summer heatwaves intensify due to global warming, experts say.
