Firefighters in France have brought under control the largest wildfire to hit the south of the country in decades, after it scorched more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of land in the Aude department.
The blaze, which erupted Tuesday in Ribaute, left one person dead, 13 injured, and caused widespread destruction across 16 communities, according to dw.com
Thirty-six homes were destroyed, 20 damaged, and 54 vehicles burned. Around 1,500 households remained without electricity Thursday evening. Authorities have banned entry into affected forests until at least Sunday.
While the fire is now under control, 2,000 firefighters remain deployed, and officials warn it may take several days before it is fully extinguished.
Extreme heat — with weekend temperatures expected to reach 35–41°C (95–105.8°F) — has prompted the national railway operator SNCF to cancel several Intercity services in the south, citing concerns over older carriages malfunctioning in high temperatures.
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