Wildfire larger than Paris rages in France, leaving 1 dead, several hurt

France’s biggest wildfire in years was spreading quickly Wednesday in a Mediterranean region near Spain after leaving one person dead and several injured, authorities said. The fire burned an area larger than Paris, and the military was called in to help.

Cars drive past a fast-moving wildfire in a Mediterranean region of France near the Spanish border (AP photo)

• One dead, several injured as fire spreads: Authorities say at least one person has died and multiple others have been injured since the fire broke out Tuesday in the village of Ribaute, in the Aude region.

Cars are charred after a wildfire broke out near near Durban-Corbieres in southern France (AP photo)

• Massive firefighting effort underway: Over 2,100 firefighters, backed by water-bombing aircraft and military support, are trying to control the blaze, which remains active and dangerous amid hot, dry and windy conditions.

A water bomber dropping liquid on a fast-moving wildfire in a Mediterranean region of France near the Spanish border (AP photo)

• Villagers scramble to save homes and businesses: Residents in affected areas, including Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, rushed to protect their properties as ash rained from the sky and roads were closed. Many were shocked by how quickly the fire advanced.

Securite Civile shows firefighters battling a wildfire in a Mediterranean region near the Spanish border (AP Photo)

• Government calls it an ‘unprecedented’ disaster: French Prime Minister Franois Bayrou described the situation as a disaster of “unprecedented scale” and pledged full support for emergency crews and affected communities.

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Inputs from Associated Press