(MENAFN) A deadly wildfire continues to blaze in France’s southern Aude department, claiming one life and injuring nine others as authorities combat what has been described as the “biggest fire of the summer” since Tuesday, an official update revealed on Wednesday.

The Aude prefect confirmed that a woman was found deceased in her home, while two civilians and seven firefighters sustained injuries. Additionally, one individual remains missing as the fire persists.

"A fire broke out on August 5 at around 4:15 p.m. (1415 GMT) in the commune of Ribaute. The fire is spreading very rapidly and has already scorched 11,100 hectares (27,000 acres) across 15 communes."

"Massive resources have been deployed. 1,500 firefighters worked through the night at the scene, and an additional 320 firefighters are being sent in," the official statement detailed.

Meteo-France issued a warning Tuesday, forecasting intensifying heat by Thursday afternoon, particularly in southern regions, with temperatures soaring far above seasonal averages.

Meanwhile, in southwestern Spain, the city of Cadiz is also battling wildfires that began Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of over 5,000 vehicles and a large number of residents, according to media.

On Tuesday, another wildfire ignited in A Coruna, where authorities raised the emergency level to 2 due to its closeness to populated areas. This fire has consumed at least 20 hectares (about 50 acres).

Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet has placed several regions under orange alert until Friday, anticipating temperatures as high as 42°C (108°F).

Portugal is grappling with multiple wildfires as well, including an active blaze near the city of Amarante, media reported.

Lisbon has declared a state of alert through August 7 amid an intensifying heatwave over the weekend.

On Wednesday, more than 100 municipalities across Portugal remain at maximum risk for wildfires.

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