An elderly woman has died and another person is missing after a massive wildfire swept through parts of southern France, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee.

The woman died in her home, seven firefighters have also been treated for smoke inhalation and one person is still missing, authorities said. Two people are in hospital, one of whom is in a critical condition.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday near the village of La Ribaute in the Aude region, and has already burned more than 13,000 hectares (50 sq miles) – an area larger than Paris – making it the largest wildfire in France this year.

More than 1,800 firefighters, supported by 500 vehicles, were deployed to the area.

The main affected villages are Lagrasse, Fabrezan, Tournissan, Coustouge and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse.

Officials say the fire is advancing rapidly, driven by strong winds, dry vegetation and hot summer weather.

Jacques Piraud, mayor of the village of Jonquières, where at least four houses burned, told Le Monde that around 80% of the village was burnt.

“It’s dramatic. Its black, the trees are completely charred,” he said.

Images show blackened, burnt out cars and people sitting on beaches three hours away where thick black clouds were still visible.

“This is a disaster of unprecedented scale,” firefighter spokesman Eric Brocardi told RTL radio.

At least 25 homes have been destroyed and more than 2,500 households are without electricity. Authorities have closed roads across the region and warned it is still too dangerous for residents who fled on Tuesday night to return home.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for firefighters and local officials on X, saying all government resources were being mobilised. He urged residents to follow evacuation orders and exercise “the utmost caution”.

Prime Minister François Bayrou is expected to visit the affected area later on Wednesday.

Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude area, said firefighters were monitoring the fire’s perimeter to prevent new outbreaks. She said: “The fire is advancing in an area where all the conditions are ripe for it to progress.”

The region has become increasingly vulnerable in recent years due to lower rainfall and the removal of vineyards, which once helped slow the spread of wildfires.

Despite planes dropping water bombs on the flames, Roesch warned the fire “will keep us busy for several days. It’s a long-term operation”.

A combination of low rainfall, high temperatures and the removal of vineyards – which once helped act as natural firebreaks – has made for worsening fire conditions in Aude.

Scientists have long warned that the Mediterranean’s soaring hot and dry summers place the region at high risk of severe wildfires. According to France’s emergency management service, nearly 15,000 hectares (57.9 square miles) have burned nationwide this summer in more than 9,000 separate fires. The Aude blaze now accounts for the vast majority of the damage. (BBC)