Macron urges caution as deadly wildfire sweeps south of France
One woman died and another person has been left in a critical condition after becoming trapped in a home in the Aude prefecture on Tuesday. Seven firefighters were injured, and one person is missing, according to authorities.
The blaze, which started in the afternoon, has burned 11,000 hectares and destroyed 25 homes in Aude, inland from the Mediterranean.
Some 1,820 firefighters were sent to extinguish the fire while around 2,500 households were left without electricity.
The French president called for people to exercise 'the utmost caution' as he announced all resources were 'mobilised' to tackle the blaze.
He said on X: 'We support our firefighters and our forces battling the flames. We have confidence in the government and elected officials.
'Everyone must exercise the utmost caution and respect the instructions of the authorities.'
On Wednesday morning, Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture, said: 'The fire is advancing in an area where all the conditions are ripe for it to progress. We are monitoring the edges and the back of the fire to prevent flare-ups.'
She added that the fire slowed overnight owing to high humidity levels but warned: 'This will keep us busy for several days. It's a long-term operation.'
Camping grounds and one village were partially evacuated, and several local roads have been closed.
The Aude department has seen an increase in areas burnt in recent years, aggravated by low rainfall and the removal of vineyards, which used to help break the progression of fires.
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