The fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon, has continued to advance during the night to Wednesday and threatens several villages in the Aude department.
"The fire is still very active and the weather conditions will continue to be unfavorable on August 6," the authorities in Aude write in a press release.
More than 1,500 firefighters are fighting to extinguish the fire, which is the largest to affect the country during this year's summer season.
Several villages and campsites have been evacuated. In Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, the mayor says that the village, with around 800 inhabitants, is facing a catastrophe.
The fire came at an incredible speed and surrounded the village. We were forced to evacuate several areas, says Mayor Xavier de Volontat to BFMTV.
In the city of Narbonne, the authorities recommend that people stay indoors due to the smoke.
The fire is still spreading and is far from being under control, says Rémi Recio, an official in the municipality of Narbonne.
As long as people are indoors, they are safe, he says to BFMTV.
In addition to the deceased woman, who died in her home, about ten people have been injured. Among them are several firefighters who are being treated in hospital for serious injuries.
President Emmanuel Macron urges the public to be cautious.
"All the nation's resources have been mobilized," he writes on X.
