The wildfires that broke out in southern France on Tuesday afternoon are still spreading. These are the largest fires in the country since 1949. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou speaks of a disaster of “unprecedented proportions.”
Within 24 hours, the fire has reduced an area of over 16,000 hectares to ashes. That is more than 1.5 times the area of The Hague. This means that the burned area exceeds the devastated area of all wildfires in recent years combined, said Minister Bruno Retailleau (Home Affairs) on Wednesday afternoon.
Due to the speed and size of the burned area, Prime Minister Bayrou said that “the scale surpasses everything we have seen in the past sixty years.” He made his statements during a visit to the village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse. That is one of the hardest hit places so far.
Due to the dry, hot weather and strong winds, the fires are still spreading. Shelters have been opened in seventeen municipalities for people who cannot go home tonight, reports broadcaster BFMTV.
Three people have been reported missing by their relatives, local authorities report on X. Thirteen people have been injured: two civilians and eleven firefighters. One of the civilians and one of the firefighters are in critical condition. Some 2,500 households in the area are without power. Several campsites along the south coast have been evacuated. It was previously announced that one person had died in the fires.
More than 2,100 firefighters are fighting the fire
More than 2,100 firefighters are trying to get the fire under control. They are assisted by fire-fighting planes and helicopters.
The fire brigade reported earlier on Wednesday a success in Ribaute, the municipality where the fire started 24 hours ago. But in other places the fire is still spreading. The government has sent soldiers to the region to help extinguish the fire, French media reported earlier.
The fire initially spread in a south-easterly direction, reaching the A9 motorway. That is a busy highway where a lot of holiday traffic drives towards Spain. The road was temporarily closed in both directions, but the highway was reopened on Wednesday afternoon. However, the Aude department called on people to only take to the road if it is absolutely necessary.
Experts warned earlier on Wednesday that the wind direction could change, making it even more difficult to fight the wildfire.
Influence of climate change
Scientists say the Mediterranean region is at greater risk of wildfires due to warmer temperatures and drier summers. Once fires start, dry vegetation and strong winds can cause flames to spread rapidly and burn out of control.
“Due to climate change, the risk of wildfires is expected to increase in the summer, but also in the autumn and spring, and spread to the southwest, central and northern France,” climate analyst Serge Zaka told press agency Reuters.
The ANWB Alarm Center advises Dutch people in southern France to prepare an emergency bag in case they have to leave the area quickly. This bag should include your ID, debit card, telephone and charger, medicines and food and drink. Dutch people should also keep a close eye on local media.
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