A fast-moving wildfire in the Corbieres hills of southwestern France has forced evacuations, injured nine people, and caused major travel disruptions.
The blaze began in the town of Ribaute and has already burned through more than 11,000 hectares, according to officials from the Aude department.
Seven firefighters and two civilians are among the injured, with one person in critical condition after suffering severe burns.
In addition to the initial outbreak, a second fire erupted around 20 kilometers northwest of the original blaze, stretching emergency resources even further.
Over 1,200 firefighters have been deployed to battle the flames, backed by specialized aircraft such as the Canadair CL-415 water bombers.
The skies above the region have turned dark with smoke as the fire advances across dry vegetation and rugged terrain.
Authorities have closed multiple roads and a key section of the A9 motorway between Perpignan and Narbonne in both directions.
This closure has affected a major travel corridor between France and Spain.
Evacuations were carried out in nearby camping grounds and one village, with emergency teams urging residents to remain cautious.
Strong winds and prolonged dry conditions are fueling the rapid spread of the fire, making containment efforts difficult.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that national emergency assets were fully mobilized.
The situation remains unstable, with officials warning that weather patterns could continue to drive the flames.
In addition to firefighting efforts, local shelters have been set up for those displaced by the fire.
Medical teams are on standby, and rescue services remain active across the affected zones.
As smoke continues to fill the sky and winds persist, authorities are advising the public to avoid the area and follow updates from official sources.
Investigations are underway to determine what sparked the initial fire in Ribaute.