A wildfire in southern France has killed 1 and injured several and is still spreading
About 1,500 firefighters worked overnight to contain the blaze, which broke out Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute in the Aude region. It remained ''very active'' on Wednesday and weather conditions were unfavorable, the local administration said in a statement.
One person died in their home and nine others were injured, and at least one person was missing, the statement said.
It said the fire had spread for 12 hours over 11,000 hectares of land, which is roughly equivalent to the size of the French capital. That makes it the biggest wildfire in France so far this summer.
Southern Europe has seen multiple large fires this summer. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.
Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at twice the speed of the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
28 minutes ago
- The Independent
Homes evacuated as firefighters tackle wildfire on Dorset heath
A major incident was declared in Dorset after approximately 100 firefighters were called to tackle a large wildfire at Holt Heath, near Wimborne. The blaze, which measured around 1,000 metres by 800 metres and affected 69 hectares, led to the evacuation of 20 homes, though residents have since returned. Windy conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly, with crews working through the night and into Sunday to contain it, making steady progress. A second heath fire at Newton Heath near Swanage, affecting 21 hectares, has also been burning since last Sunday and is still being tackled. Authorities advised the public to stay away from the affected areas and avoid flying drones, as they are being used by emergency services to direct firefighting efforts.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
When the UK heatwave will peak this week
The UK is set to experience its fourth heatwave of the summer, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures to reach as high as 34C this week. The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday, with areas potentially seeing temperatures of 33C or 34C, and remaining hot throughout the week. A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency from Monday to Wednesday for several regions, indicating a potential significant impact on health and social care services. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst anticipates warm conditions will persist into September, with a largely dry and settled August, though there is a risk of thunderstorms and infrequent rain. Emergency services are already responding to the dry conditions, with firefighters battling large blazes in Dorset and Wiltshire, and at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Burst water main floods Islington streets as dozens evacuated from their homes
A burst water main has flooded several Islington streets with dozens of residents evacuated from their homes. Around 30 people were evacuated from their properties in Canonbury Street, Essex Road, Elmore Street, Halliford Street and Ecclesbourne Road in Islington on Sunday evening (10 July). Disruption is expected to continue into Monday. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are dealing with flooding in the area around Canonbury Street in Islington. 'A 36-inch burst water main has caused flooding up to a depth of around 40cm of water.'
