France's most devastating wildfire in nearly 80 years has been contained after burning through 16,000 hectares of land in the south. Authorities warn the risk of reignition remains.
The massive wildfire that erupted on Tuesday in southern France in the Aude department has now been brought under control, local officials confirmed on Thursday. But despite containment, the area remains on high alert.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters will stay deployed in the region over the coming days to secure the scorched terrain and prevent any flare-ups. Drone footage has captured a hellish landscape, swathes of charred earth, blackened forests, and gutted homes.
The inferno, which became the country's largest wildfire in almost eight decades, tore through 16,000 hectares of forest and villages, close to the Spanish border and Mediterranean coast. Some French media reported the damage might stretch to 17,000 hectares.
One woman was killed after reportedly ignoring evacuation orders to flee to safer areas. Eighteen others were injured, including 16 firefighters battling the blaze. The flames also destroyed 36 homes and damaged 20 more. Around 2,000 residents and tourists were forced to leave their homes.
At the height of the crisis, 5,000 households lost power. As of Thursday evening, around 1,500 homes remained without electricity. Roads in the affected area remain closed due to fallen power lines and uninspected damage, and residents are still barred from returning home without clearance.
Deputy prefect Rémi Recio told reporters that the fire's pace had slowed due to a change in weather conditions, particularly shifting winds. However, the danger has not passed.
The wildfire spread at an unusually rapid rate, driven by strong winds and months of drought, which left vegetation dangerously dry. Plumes of smoke were still visible over the Aude region on Thursday.
As France braces for more heatwaves and dry spells, officials say this disaster could be a grim preview of what climate change has in store for southern Europe
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