Hundreds evacuated as large forest fire rages in southern France
Around 200 people were evacuated from the Hérault and Aude departments in southern France as a forest fire burned 800 hectares. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze due to difficult terrain and dry conditions.
A major forest fire broke out in southern France on Wednesday, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes. The fire spread across the departments of Hérault and Aude, fueled by drought and strong winds. By Wednesday evening, the flames had consumed 800 hectares of land.
Local authorities reported that while the fire is occasionally contained, it remains uncontrolled. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the mountainous terrain, which lacks road access, and helicopters were deployed to douse the flames. Temperatures around 30°C (86°F), combined with strong gusts, accelerated the fire's spread through the dry vegetation.
Approximately 200 people were evacuated from the communes of Puissalicon (Puzolas-Minervuā) and Mailhac (Maijakas). One evacuated woman said the smoke was so thick and suffocating that firefighters ordered them to leave. Two smaller fires also broke out in Rognac (Ronjakā) and Lançon-Provence (Lansonprovansā) near Marseille.
