France's largest wildfire in decades contained after tearing through wine region
The blaze erupted on Tuesday and tore through the Aude region, spreading rapidly due to hot, dry weather. Cooler overnight temperatures and calmer winds slowed its advance and allowed firefighters to make headway.
Late Thursday, the region's top government official said the fire was contained. However, residents were warned not to return home without authorisation, as many roads remained blocked and dangerous.
The fire swept through 15 communes in the Corbières mountain region, destroying or damaging at least 36 homes, with a full damage assessment still under way. One person died at home, and at least 13 others were injured, including 11 firefighters, according to local authorities. Three people who were reported missing have been found safe.
A burnt forest area in Jonquières, southern France. Photo: AFP
An investigation was under way to determine what sparked the fire.
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