France’s biggest wildfire in 75 years engulfs an area larger than Paris as an army of firefighters battle 17,000-hectare blaze

France is facing its largest wildfire since 1949, with flames burning through more than 17,000 hectares — an area larger than Paris — in the Aude region. Authorities said the blaze, which started near the village of Ribaute on Tuesday, has been brought under control but will continue for several more days.

More than 2,000 firefighters, 500 firefighting vehicles, gendarmerie and army units remain on the ground. A woman has died, and 13 people, including 11 firefighters, have been injured, with two in critical condition.

"The fire is contained," Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture, was quoted as saying by local media. Christian Pouget, the prefect for Aude, said the fire will not be "declared extinguished for several days" and added, "There is still a lot of work to be done."

Aerial support and safety measures

Helicopters and planes made 130 water drops on Wednesday to slow the spread of the fire. Authorities have banned access to the burnt forest areas until at least Sunday, citing hazards such as fallen electricity lines. Roads in the affected zone remain dangerous, and residents have been urged not to return home while operations continue.

Seventeen temporary accommodation sites have been set up, and villages in the Corbières region remain on high alert.

Scale and cause of the fire

Officials say the wildfire is the largest in France in 75 years. French Prime Minister François Bayrou called it a "catastrophe on an unprecedented scale" and linked it to global warming and drought. Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher also connected the blaze to climate change.

Authorities said the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, dry vegetation, and hot summer weather.

Widespread damage

Jacques Piraud, mayor of Jonquières, where several homes were destroyed, said around 80% of the village had burned. "It's dramatic. It's black, the trees are completely charred," he told Le Monde.

Satellite images released on Thursday showed burn scars and smoke across the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that "all of the nation's resources are mobilised," and urged the public to exercise "the utmost caution."

(Inputs from agencies)