One dead and thousands evacuated as wildfire spreads in France

The wildfire is the largest in France this year and has burned some 12,000 hectares of land, an area larger than Paris.

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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.