At least one person has died and two others have been injured—one of them seriously—in a massive wildfire sweeping through the Aude region in southern France. Fueled by strong winds, the fire has scorched more than 8,000 hectares (approximately 80,000 stremata) of vegetation, prompting mass evacuations and widespread destruction.
Rapid Spread and Massive Response
Local authorities report the fire is spreading rapidly, with over 1,800 firefighters deployed to combat the blaze. Power has been cut to approximately 2,500 homes, and the A9 motorway—connecting France with Spain—remains closed in both directions due to the fire’s proximity.
Trees burn during a wildfire near Narbonne, southern France, August 6, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
In the village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse near Carcassonne, homes have been engulfed by flames. Holidaymakers at nearby campsites were evacuated as a precaution, and roughly 30 residences were cleared. In the village of Tournissan, residents were seen using garden hoses in desperate attempts to protect their properties.
Aerial Support and High Alert
Despite extensive use of aerial firefighting units—including nine Canadair aircraft, five Dash planes, and two helicopters—the fire remains uncontrolled. Three firefighters have suffered minor injuries during operations.
Authorities hope that weakening winds and increased nighttime humidity will help slow the fire’s advance, but emergency services remain on high alert.
Macron: All Resources Deployed
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X (formerly Twitter) that all available government resources have been mobilized to address the crisis. He emphasized the importance of fully supporting frontline emergency personnel battling the flames.
