EU Offers Assistance as Major Wildfire Engulfs Aude, France
The European Union has extended its support to France, where a significant wildfire has been described as “a disaster of unprecedented scale” by French Prime Minister François Bayrou, reports 24brussels.
In a statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with France, stating, “Europe stands with France as the worst wildfires in its recent history rage in Aude. My thoughts are with the brave firefighters as they battle the blaze.”
Von der Leyen further confirmed the EU’s readiness to mobilize rescEU resources to assist in controlling the fires, which highlights the EU’s commitment to disaster response efforts.
The wildfire, which erupted near the village of La Ribaute on Tuesday, has burned over 16,000 hectares—an area larger than Paris—resulting in one confirmed fatality, 13 injuries, and three individuals reported missing.
Over 2,000 firefighters are actively engaged in combating the fire, which French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau identified as the most destructive fire since 1949, in terms of hectares destroyed.
Prime Minister Bayrou reiterated the gravity of the situation, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the disaster as crews continue their efforts to suppress the flames.
