Large fire rages in southern France
A large fire is raging in southern France, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the local prefecture.
More than 2,400 hectares of land and vegetation were burnt by the blaze in Ribaute, close to Carcassonne, according to the reports.
Colonel Alexandre Jouassard from the civil defence authority told broadcaster BFMTV that 4,500 hectares were affected by the fire that broke out in Ribaute.
According to Jouassard, the flames spread with unusual speed, and it is unlikely that the fire will be extinguished by the evening.
More than 1,000 firefighters battled the blaze, which was fuelled by strong winds.
The sub-prefect of the Aude region, Lucie Roesch, told BFMTV that two people were injured.
Several communities near Ribaute were evacuated as a precaution, according to BMFTV.
A campsite was also evacuated, reported broadcaster France Info. Numerous roads were closed due to the fire.
