A wildfire in the Aude department of southern France, described as the largest of the summer and one of the most severe in recent decades, has burned approximately 17,000 hectares of vegetation since it began on August 5, 2025. The fire has affected 15 communes and destroyed or damaged at least 25 homes and 35 vehicles. The blaze has resulted in one confirmed death, nine injuries including one serious case, and three people reported missing. Over 2,000 firefighters, supported by nine Canadair water bombers, two water-dropping helicopters, and around 500 vehicles, have been mobilized to combat the fire. The fire has caused the closure of the A9 motorway near the France-Spain border and has left about 2,500 households without electricity. Local officials, including the mayor of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, reported that 600 hectares of vineyards have been lost, with some estimates indicating that up to 80% of the local grape harvest has been destroyed. Authorities have emphasized that the fire was rapidly spreading and difficult to control for several days, although by August 7, the fire was declared fixed but not yet fully extinguished. The prefect of Aude and the colonel spokesperson for the Civil Security noted that while the fire's progression had slowed and was under control, vigilance remained critical to prevent flare-ups. French Prime Minister François Bayrou and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited the affected area, with Bayrou describing the event as a "disaster of unprecedented scale" and highlighting the impact of climate change on such extreme events. Efforts continue to monitor and extinguish remaining hotspots, with authorities cautioning residents against returning to evacuated areas without permission. The fire has prompted a large-scale emergency response and raised concerns about the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected communities.