Image of the day

Burn scar in the Aude region, France

Earth Observation | Copernicus
Fires
Burn scar in red from wildfires in the Aude region in France
Location: France
Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

A devastating wildfire in France's Aude region, started on 5 August 2025, has become the country's most severe in nearly 80 years, burning over 17,000 hectares, an area larger than Paris. The fire's rapid spread was exacerbated by drought conditions, dry vegetation, and strong winds. 

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 14 August, depicts the burn scar. 

Copernicus satellites help detect wildfires early and monitor their spread in near real-time, providing crucial information for emergency response.  

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