Some 1,300 firefighters were drafted in to stop the blaze from flaring up amid fears that winds blowing around 50 kilometres per hour could fan lingering hot spots. The blaze – the largest in at least 50 years – tore through 16,000 hectares of vegetation, disaster officials said.
Temperatures in the coming days are expected to hit 42C in some areas, according to national weather service Meteo France.
In Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, a 65-year-old woman was found dead on Wednesday in her home, which was devastated by flames.
Authorities said one resident suffered serious burns and four others were lightly injured, while 19 firefighters were hurt, including one with a head injury.
Thirty-six houses were destroyed, others damaged, and more than 20 agricultural sheds burned.
