A combined 130 water drops were made on Wednesday by helicopters and planes in a bid to douse flame
France is fighting its biggest wildfire in more than seven decades.
The massive blaze has scorched land larger than Paris.
Officials warn it will take several more days to fully extinguish the flames.
More than 2,000 firefighters and 500 vehicles are in the Aude region.
They are joined by gendarmerie and army teams in the dangerous operation.
A woman has died in the disaster.
Thirteen people, including 11 firefighters, are injured.
Two remain in critical condition.
Blaze Under Control but Far From Over
Authorities confirmed the fire is now contained.
However, Aude Prefect Christian Pouget said it will not be declared out for days.
“Much work remains,” he stressed.
Water-bombing aircraft are assisting from above.
The wildfire has destroyed over 17,000 hectares—around 42,000 acres—of forest and countryside.
Access to Burnt Areas Banned
Forests hit by the blaze remain off-limits until at least Sunday.
Officials warn of dangerous conditions, including fallen power lines and unstable terrain.
Roads in the fire zone are closed.
The scale of destruction is visible from space, with smoke and charred land captured in satellite images.
Residents Urged to Stay Away
Seventeen emergency shelters have opened for evacuees.
Residents are advised not to return home while operations continue.
Villages in the Corbières area remain on high alert.
Largest Wildfire Since 1949
This is France’s most devastating wildfire since 1949.
Prime Minister François Bayrou has called it “a catastrophe on an unprecedented scale.”
During his visit to the region, Bayrou linked the disaster to global warming and severe drought.
Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher also blamed climate change.
Fierce Conditions Drove the Flames
Officials said strong winds, dry vegetation, and extreme summer heat fueled the rapid spread.
Jacques Piraud, mayor of Jonquières, revealed 80% of his village burned.
“It’s dramatic. Everything is black. The trees are charred,” he said.
National Resources Mobilised
President Emmanuel Macron announced that all national resources are engaged.
He urged citizens to show “the utmost caution” as firefighting continues.
The fight against France’s largest wildfire in 75 years is far from over.
But for now, the relentless efforts of emergency teams are preventing further tragedy.
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