A massive wildfire erupted in southern France's Aude region on Tuesday, sending plumes of smoke billowing over forests and forcing residents and tourists to flee. Officials called it the country's largest wildfire since 1949, with dozens of homes destroyed and emergency crews battling flames around the clock. 🌍🚒
Footage shared online showed orange skies and charred landscapes as helicopters dropped water to contain the blaze. Local authorities urged people to avoid the area, citing 'extreme danger.' Many evacuated families shared emotional stories of leaving behind belongings, with one resident saying, 'We grabbed our pets and ran—it felt like a nightmare.' 😢🐾
While the cause remains under investigation, experts point to rising temperatures and dry conditions linked to climate change. France's interior minister praised firefighters for their 'heroic efforts,' but warned the crisis is far from over. Stay tuned for updates. 📡🔥
