New Delhi, Aug. 8 -- France's largest wildfire in decades was contained Thursday after burning more than 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) in the country's southern wine region and claiming one life, local authorities said.

The blaze erupted Tuesday and tore through the Aude region, spreading rapidly due to hot, dry weather. Cooler overnight temperatures and calmer winds slowed its advance and allowed firefighters to make headway.

Late Thursday, the region's top government official said the fire was contained. However, residents were warned not to return home without authorization, as many roads remained blocked and dangerous.

The fire swept through 15 communes in the Corbieres mountain region, destroying or damaging at least 36 ...