A fast-moving wildfire burned through southern France on Wednesday, prompting evacuations as firefighters battled the flames amid dry conditions and strong winds.
The blaze spread across the Hérault and Aude departments, where hundreds of firefighters and water-dropping aircraft were deployed to contain the fire.
Authorities said the wildfire had scorched around 800 hectares by late Wednesday, but it remained out of control despite efforts to slow its advance.
Emergency officials evacuated or ordered about 200 residents to remain indoors in the communes of Pouzols-Minervois and Mailhac as thick smoke engulfed nearby areas.
Firefighters faced difficult conditions because of the rugged landscape, which limited ground access and complicated containment efforts.
Officials said temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius, combined with powerful winds and drought-parched vegetation, helped fuel the rapid spread of the fire.
One resident, 99-year-old Danielle from Pouzols, said firefighters urged people to leave as heavy smoke filled the area.
Meanwhile, two additional wildfires were reported near Marseille in the communes of Rognac and Lançon-Provence, according to local fire authorities.
The latest wildfire comes just days after a deadly heatwave affected large parts of Europe and about a year after major fires swept through the Corbières region in southern France.
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