Deadly wildfire in southern France spreads near Spanish border as one dead

Deadly wildfire in southern France spreads near Spanish border as one dead

An aerial view of the wildfire in a Mediterranean region near the Spanish border, southern France (Securite Civile via AP)

France's biggest wildfire this summer was spreading quickly on Wednesday in a Mediterranean region near the Spanish border after leaving one person dead, authorities said.

About 2,000 firefighters and several water bomber aircraft battled the blaze that broke out on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute in the Aude region, a rural, wooded area that is home to wineries.

The wildfire remained "very active" on Wednesday and weather conditions were unfavourable, the local administration said in a statement.

The weather was hot, dry and windy, making it difficult for firefighters to contai