PARIS (AP) – France’s biggest wildfires this summer were spreading quickly on Wednesday in the Mediterranean area near the Spanish border after one person died, authorities said. The fire burned areas larger than Paris.
French Prime Minister François Bailloux lamented the “disaster on an unprecedented scale” in the region.
More than 2,100 firefighters and several hydro-bomber aircraft fought fires Tuesday afternoon in the village of Rivert, a rural wooded area home to the winery.
The fire, which burned 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres), remained “very active” on Wednesday, the local administration said in a statement. The weather was hot, dry and windy, making it difficult for firefighters to lock in the flames.
Home Minister Bruno Reciro said the troops will step up efforts starting Thursday, with dozens of soldiers deployed.
Local authorities say one person died in his home, and 13 others were injured, including at least 13 firefighters. One person was initially found, said to be missing, and is safe.
Jack Piraux, mayor of the village of Johnquière, said all residents had been evacuated.
“It’s a scene of sadness and devastation,” he told broadcaster BFM TV after visiting Wednesday morning. “It looks like a moonscape, everything is on fire. Over half or three-thirds of the village have been burned out. It’s hell.”
Residents and tourists from nearby areas were asked to stay in their homes unless they were told to evacuate. Two campsites were evacuated as a precaution.
The Prime Minister met with firefighters and residents of San Laurent de la Cabreris, where firefighters commanders were set up on Wednesday afternoon. He said he came to express “national solidarity.”
The region’s economy relies on wineries and tourism, and “both sectors are affected,” he stressed.
Bayrou said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The Ministry of the Environment said the Aude region has experienced drought this month and water use restrictions are in place. The vegetation is so dry that the lack of rainfall in recent months “has played a major role in the spread of the fire,” the statement said.
Southern Europe has seen it Multiple major fires This summer. Scientists warn that climate change has made the region even more vulnerable to wildfires, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and aridity. Last month, a wildfire arrived at the South Port of Marseille, France’s second largest city. Approximately 300 people remained injured.
Europe is the world Fastest ContinentAccording to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Services, temperatures have risen twice the global average since the 1980s.
