Southern France blazes keep fire department on their toes
Aude Fire: The Largest Wildfire in France in Over 75 Years
The Aude fire, a wildfire that ignited on August 5, 2025, in southern France, has become the most destructive in terms of hectares burned in the country since 1949. As of August 6, the fire has spread over more than 16,000 hectares (40,000 acres), affecting 16 municipalities in the region.
The wildfire, located in the Aude department, has caused significant damage. According to reports, it has injured more than a dozen people, including 19 firefighters, and has destroyed dozens of homes, particularly in towns such as Tournissan, Coustouge, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, and Jonquières.
The fire has also had a severe impact on the vineyards in the Languedoc region, especially in the Aude area, threatening the 2025 vintage and causing major economic and agricultural impacts. Despite ashfall reaching nearby cities like Narbonne, some wineries farther from the immediate fire zone still hold hope for a good vintage, although concerns about smoke contamination remain.
Firefighters have been actively battling the blaze since it began, with emergency responses underway to contain it and support affected communities. The Corbières AOC appellation body described the wildfire as a "nightmare" but expressed gratitude toward fire crews while emphasizing the region’s resilience and determination to rebuild.
The roads that were temporarily closed due to the wildfire have now reopened. However, for safety reasons, the forest in the affected area remains off-limits. Efforts to contain the largest flames of the wildfire are expected to continue until at least Sunday evening, with approximately 1,500 firefighters currently battling the blaze.
The wildfire started in Ribaute, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, and rapidly spread due to dry conditions and strong winds. As of the current update, the wildfire is ongoing.
[1] BBC News. (2025). France's Aude fire: Huge wildfire in south of the country. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58267761
[2] The Guardian. (2025). France wildfires: Wine harvest threatened by blazes in Languedoc region. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/06/france-wildfires-wine-harvest-threatened-by-blazes-in-languedoc-region
[3] France 24. (2025). Wildfires rage across southern France, forcing evacuations. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-08-06-wildfires-rage-across-southern-france-forcing-evacuations
General-news outlets report that the ongoing Aude fire, which started in Ribaute between Carcassonne and Narbonne, has caused significant accidents due to the rapid spread of the wildfire. The weather conditions, characterized by dry conditions and strong winds, have contributed to the fire's progression and continue to pose challenges for firefighters working to contain it.
