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A massive wildfire in the Aude department has become the most devastating in France for more than half a century. 

At least 16,000 hectares of land has burned as the blaze enters its third day, with at least one confirmed death and widespread damage.

The massive blaze is as large as the combined annual wildfire toll of several recent years including 2019, 2021, and 2023. 

The chart below shows the breadth of the damage compared to the other major wildfires recorded in France since the year 2000. 

If it continues to burn, the fire may surpass the combined toll of the consecutive fires in Landiras (Gironde) in 2022, which destroyed more than 19,000 hectares. 

Other areas to see major wildfires include the Var department and Corsica.