At least nine people have been injured in the large wildfires that broke out in southern France on Tuesday afternoon. One of them is in critical condition. In just a few hours, more than 10,000 hectares have been reduced to ashes, reports broadcaster BMFTV.
On Tuesday afternoon, the fire started near Ribaute in the Aude department in southern France. Due to the favorable conditions for the fire, the fire was able to spread rapidly in the region. At least 10,000 hectares have now been reduced to ashes.
Two civilians were injured. One of them suffered serious burns. Seven firefighters were injured while fighting the fire, the department reports.
Local authorities are calling on French people to leave the area with the wildfires. At least four campsites with holidaymakers were evacuated on Tuesday evening.
More than twelve hundred firefighters have been deployed to fight the fire. They are supported by about a hundred police officers, fourteen firefighting planes and two helicopters.
Popular holiday highway closed
Local security authorities tell BFMTV of the “biggest fire of the summer” so far in France.
Many holidaymakers drive through Aude to Spain every summer via the A9 motorway. The highway is about 10 kilometers from the fire. Several highways are closed on Wednesday, including the A9 in both directions.