In a catastrophic blaze near the Spanish border in France's Aude region, a massive wildfire continues to spread rapidly, claiming one life and leaving a trail of destruction. Starting Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute, the fire has consumed over 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres), surpassing the size of Paris, according to the French interior ministry.

Approximately 2,000 firefighters, supported by water bomber aircraft, are battling the relentless flames in this rural, wooded area known for its wineries. The local administration reported that the fire remains "very active," with unfavorable weather conditions hampering containment efforts. One person perished in their home, nine others, including seven firefighters, were injured, and at least one individual is still missing.

Jonquières mayor Jacques Piraux described the devastation: "It’s a lunar landscape—everything is burned. More than half the village is gone. It’s hellish." All residents of Jonquières have been evacuated, and two nearby campsites were cleared as a precaution. Authorities have urged residents and tourists in surrounding areas to stay indoors unless directed to evacuate by firefighters.

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French Prime Minister François Bayrou is scheduled to visit the affected area Wednesday afternoon to assess the situation, his office confirmed.

This wildfire follows another destructive blaze last month that injured 300 people near Marseille, France’s second-largest city. Southern Europe has faced multiple large fires this summer, with scientists attributing their increased frequency and intensity to climate change.

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service notes that Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent, is experiencing temperature rises at twice the global average since the 1980s, heightening the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

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