One of the largest wildfires in France since 1949 continues to devastate the southern Aude prefecture, scorching 16,000 hectares (40,000 acres) and leaving one dead, 19 firefighters injured, and six civilians hurt.
Dozens of homes have been destroyed as the blaze, which started Tuesday, remains contained but not under control.
Colonel Christophe Magny warns it may not be fully subdued until late Sunday.
Authorities attribute the disaster to climate change, with an orange heatwave alert in effect until midnight Sunday.
The fire has been worsened by the removal of traditional vineyard firebreaks due to falling wine production.
While local roads have reopened, entry to the wildfire zone remains prohibited because of flare-up risks.
This disaster underscores the growing threat of extreme weather across Europe.
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