Firefighters have successfully contained a massive wildfire in southern France, yet they are still confronted with a “complicated” battle against potential flare-ups. Officials warned on Sunday that soaring temperatures and dry winds could once again reignite the blaze, reports 24brussels.
The fire has devastated a large area in the Aude department, claiming one life and injuring several others, coinciding with a severe heatwave impacting the Mediterranean region.
“The fire is now under control. This still requires continued mobilization. We must hold on and not weaken,” stated Amelie Trioux, chief of staff of the Aude prefect, during a press briefing.
Authorities indicated that hot, dry winds on Sunday – similar to those present when the blaze ignited – alongside ongoing elevated temperatures, expected to reach 42°C in some areas, will further complicate firefighting efforts, according to the national weather service Meteo France.
Approximately 1,300 firefighters have been deployed to prevent the blaze from relighting, with fears that winds up to 50 kilometers per hour could fan any lingering hot spots. This wildfire is noted as France’s largest since 1949, having scorched 16,000 hectares of vegetation, according to disaster officials.
‘Extremely angry’
For livestock farmers in Fontjoncouse, the fire has devastated grazing lands, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of their flocks, igniting outrage among those who reported they were unable to evacuate their animals in time.
Emmanuelle Bernier expressed her frustration, stating she was “extremely angry” upon returning to find her goat pen in ruins, with 17 animals – some near giving birth – lost in the flames.
“I will definitely change jobs. This will change my whole life,” she remarked.
Bernier’s property now accommodates only a few geese and two ailing goats after she entrusted her surviving sheep to a local winegrower, as the damage to her farm precludes their return.
However, as she surveyed the charred landscape, Bernier remained cautiously optimistic. “There’s still a little life left,” she said.
‘Hard to bear’
Experts caution that European nations are increasingly vulnerable to such catastrophes due to intensifying summer heatwaves attributed to global warming.
Residents in southern France reported that the extreme temperatures have become unbearable, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children.
“I’ve never experienced a heatwave as hard to bear as this year,” said Monique Beluy, 81, from the southern city of Marseille, who expressed concerns about living alone in such conditions.
The heatwave is anticipated to reach its peak between Monday and Tuesday, with high temperatures likely to persist throughout the week, according to Meteo France.
(cp)
