LIVE. Fire in Aude: the fire is evolving "very quickly", already 2,400 hectares covered

The fire, which has been affecting the Aude region since late afternoon on Tuesday, August 5, has already covered 2,400 hectares, according to the prefecture.

The fire is developing "very quickly" and is "unfavorably," the prefecture added, asking "people to stay indoors unless ordered to evacuate by the fire brigade."

Several towns were affected by the fire. Many residents had to be evacuated. Xavier de Volontat, mayor of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, described it as a "real disaster."

"The fire arrived at a fantastic speed and surrounded the village. We were forced to evacuate several neighborhoods," explained the mayor of this town of 800 inhabitants.

The fire has already spread across 1,500 hectares, according to Narbonne sub-prefect Rémi Recio. "The situation is not favorable," admitted the sub-prefect, citing "very strong winds," "very low humidity," and "temperatures above 30 degrees."

Météo France stated on the social network X that the weather conditions were "very unfavorable", with "a tramontane wind blowing up to 60-70 km/h, temperatures >32°C and very low humidity (<25%), all associated with severe drought".

Firefighters have deployed a large force. 9 Canadair and 5 Dash aircraft are currently providing aerial support. 250 firefighters are currently on site, with an additional 400 expected.

Firefighters reported that a fire broke out in the Aude department between Narbonne and Carcassonne.

"The fire is spreading very quickly and has already covered 1,000 hectares," the prefecture wrote in a statement, adding that "750 firefighters are on the ground, supported by nine Canadairs, five Dashes and two water-bombing helicopters."