France is facing its most severe wildfire in nearly 80 years, with over 16,000 hectares burned near the southern border with Spain. The fire, which began on Tuesday, has claimed one life, left three people missing, and critically injured two others, including a firefighter.
Despite efforts by hundreds of firefighters, the blaze remains uncontained as of Thursday, though officials hope to make progress soon. The fire has destroyed dozens of homes and scorched an area larger than Paris.
The blaze is unfolding in the Aude region, close to the Mediterranean Sea, and is part of a wider pattern of intensifying wildfires across southern Europe. Experts link the increase in fire activity to climate change, which is driving hotter and drier conditions across the continent.
With a new heatwave forecast for parts of southern France, authorities remain on high alert for further fire risks.