Chart: where have the biggest forest fires been in France since 2000

Mediterranean departments, Corsica, and south-west see majority of largest fires

A view of firefighters attending a fire
The current fire in the Aude department is the largest this century
Published

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.