Southern France Wildfire Kills One, Destroys Thousands Hectares Controlled

A massive wildfire in the Aude region of southern France, the largest in the country since 1949, has been brought under control after burning over 13,000 hectares, destroying thousands of hectares of land, dozens of homes, and causing power outages to 1,500 homes. The blaze, which began on Tuesday near the Spanish border and spread through the Corbières Massif mountains and vineyards, resulted in one death and injured at least 18 people, most of whom were rescuers. More than 2,000 firefighters, supported by water bomber aircraft, battled the fire, which left parts of villages resembling a 'lunar landscape.' French Prime Minister François Bayrou linked the wildfire to global warming and drought, highlighting how climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and wildfires in southern Europe. Drone footage revealed extensive destruction, with forests reduced to ash over an area typically burned across France in an entire year. Authorities continue to assess the aftermath as the region begins recovery efforts.