Southern France fire mostly controlled and suppressed
A Devastating Wildfire Sweeps Through Southern France
A massive wildfire, dubbed the Ribaute wildfire, has been ravaging the south of France since Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The fire, which started in the commune of Ribaute in the Occitanie region, has spread across a vast area of over 16,000 hectares (approximately 39,500 acres), making it the largest wildfire in France since 1949.
The fire has taken a heavy toll on the region, with one confirmed death, three people still unaccounted for, and at least 13 injuries, including firefighters, one of whom is in critical condition. The fire has also damaged multiple villages, including Tournissan, Coustouge, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, and Jonquières.
The fire has kept firefighters and locals on edge for days, and it has spread rapidly due to dry, hot, and windy conditions, as well as drought. As of mid-August 2025, the wildfire is reported to be under control but not yet fully extinguished. Over 2,100 firefighters, supported by 500 vehicles, aircraft, and helicopters, have been deployed to combat the fire.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless ordered to evacuate, with 17 temporary centers established to house nearly 1,800 displaced people. The fire has been contained between Carcassonne and Narbonne in the Aude department, but operations to completely put out the fire are still ongoing in the south of the country.
The Ribaute wildfire has been a significant challenge for the authorities, and they have deployed all available resources to combat the fire. However, they have indicated that complete extinguishment will take additional time, and no exact date has been given.
In summary, the Ribaute wildfire has affected over 16,000 hectares, resulted in one death, three missing, and 13 injuries, and is currently under control but not yet fully extinguished. Firefighting resources include over 2,100 personnel, 500 vehicles, aerial support, and ongoing operations are needed to completely put out the fire. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and follow the authorities' instructions.
[1] Local prefecture report, August 12, 2025. [2] France 24, August 7, 2025. [3] Le Monde, August 8, 2025. [4] France Bleu Occitanie, August 10, 2025. [5] FranceInfo, August 11, 2025.
1 The devastating wildfire, termed the Ribaute wildfire, has raised concerns within the sphere of environmental science due to its immense size and destructive impact on the southern French environment. 2 The impact of the wildfire on the local climate, further exacerbated by the ongoing drought, is a matter of great interest for climate-change researchers and scientists worldwide.
