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Uncontrolled Blaze Ravages Southern France
Firefighters continue battling France's largest wildfire in half a century as it engulfs the Aude department near the Mediterranean coast. Over 2,000 personnel are deployed against the blaze that has consumed 16,000 hectares - an area comparable to Texel island.
Escalating Crisis
The fire's expansion slowed on its third day but remains uncontrolled, with officials warning of worsening conditions. "We're seeing re-ignitions in some areas that require immediate response," stated Christian Pouget, Aude's regional prefect. Forecasted temperature increases and stronger winds threaten to complicate containment efforts.
Human Toll and Evacuations
Tragedy struck when one woman perished after refusing evacuation orders. Thirteen others sustained injuries including eleven firefighters, two critically. Authorities evacuated residents and tourists between Narbonne and Carcassonne as flames approached residential areas.
Three previously missing persons were located unharmed. The inferno has destroyed three homes and approximately forty vehicles.
Climate Connection
Prime Minister Bayrou declared the wildfire "a disaster of unprecedented scale" during his visit to the region. He emphasized climate change's role in creating tinderbox conditions across Mediterranean Europe. This blaze surpasses any in France since the 1970s.
Investigators have identified the fire's origin point but haven't determined whether it resulted from accident or arson.
