(MENAFN) A massive wildfire that ignited Monday in France’s southern Aude region has already scorched 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) and continues to burn into Tuesday, according to French media.

As the blaze rages on, three additional departments have been placed on red alert for extreme fire risk.

"It's an exceptional fire, 2,000 hectares covered, it's a very, very big fire. We have wind, a significant drought, and despite all the resources deployed—more than 1,000 firefighters, more than 7 Canadairs—the fire doesn't go out so easily," Aude Prefect Christian Pouget told media on Tuesday.

Pouget also advised residents to remain indoors as a safety precaution.

In a post on X, the Aude prefect confirmed that five firefighters had sustained “very slightly injured” and five “civilians,” including one child, have been treated by emergency services.

Météo-France has issued red fire alerts for three more departments along the Mediterranean coastline for Tuesday, citing a "very high danger along the Mediterranean coast" due to intense heat and gusty winds.

However, the weather agency noted that conditions are expected to ease slightly on Wednesday, as winds weaken—though fire risk is still projected to remain elevated.

Monday’s wildfire marks the third in just one week for Aude, amid a punishing early-summer heat wave gripping parts of Europe.

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