Wildfires have surged into the city of Marseille, leaving over 100 people injured and prompting the closure of the local airport. The fires, which began in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, have consumed approximately 1,700 acres of land and caused significant damage to residential areas.
As firefighters continue to combat the blaze, local authorities have reported injuries to at least nine firefighters among the total of 110 affected. The flames have destroyed one building entirely and damaged ten others, leading to evacuations in northern districts of the city.
Emergency Response and Airport Closures
Despite the fire losing some intensity overnight, the situation remains precarious. Residents evacuated earlier were cautiously allowed to return home, as confirmed by Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan. He urged them to “exercise the utmost caution” due to lingering risks from the fire and ongoing looting in some affected neighborhoods.
The fire has led to the temporary suspension of operations at Marseille International Airport, with at least ten flights cancelled. Airport authorities shut down runways as a precaution, disrupting travel to destinations such as Brussels, Munich, and Naples. Concerns persist that the airport may close again if fire conditions worsen.
Martine Vassal, head of the regional council, highlighted the challenging conditions faced by firefighters working tirelessly to control the situation. “It is not finished. Weather conditions are worrying for us,” she stated during an interview with BFM.
Impact and Future Concerns
The wildfire, fueled by winds exceeding 43 mph, has created a thick haze visible throughout the city. Local officials, including regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc, noted that the fire was likely sparked by a vehicle fire. While it has wreaked havoc in and around Marseille, no fatalities have been reported.
The ongoing blaze in Marseille is part of a troubling trend, as it represents the first major wildfire of the season in France. Similar fires have recently occurred in northeastern Spain, on the Greek island of Crete, and near Athens. Bruno Retailleau, the French Interior Minister, indicated that the rapid spread of the fire has already impacted over 60 homes.
As fire crews remain engaged in the battle against the flames, the community is left grappling with the aftermath. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as they assess the full extent of the damage and prepare for potential further evacuations if conditions do not improve.
