A significant wildfire has emerged on the outskirts of Marseille, France’s second-largest city, leading to the mobilization of approximately 1,000 firefighters who are engaged in an aggressive battle to contain the flames. Mayor Benoît Payan described the efforts as “guerrilla warfare” as firefighters confront the rapidly spreading blaze.
The prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Georges-François Leclerc, advised local residents to stay indoors for their safety while emphasizing that firefighters are actively defending the city. Current reports indicate that approximately 400 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, while nine firefighters have sustained injuries during their valiant efforts.
At least 20 buildings have been compromised by the fire, although countless homes have been safeguarded thanks to the efforts of local emergency services. The fire was noted to have spread at an alarming rate of 1.2 km (0.7 miles) per minute at one point, exacerbated by intense winds and steep terrain.
In a show of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron, who was abroad on a state visit, extended his support to the firefighting crews and urged residents to adhere to safety protocols. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is currently on-site, collaborating with local leaders to mitigate the situation.
Marseille Provence airport has partially resumed operations after closing earlier, amidst what the airport president described as an unprecedented situation. Residents are advised to shut windows and doors and remain indoors while emergency routes remain accessible for firefighters.
The fire, which ignited near Pennes-Mirabeau, has consumed roughly 700 hectares (7 sq km) and began when a vehicle caught fire on a nearby motorway. Local authorities warn that the blaze is likely to continue shifting due to predicted high winds this evening.
Eyewitness accounts highlight the dire circumstances, with one local describing the scene as “apocalyptic.” There has been little to no rainfall in the region since mid-May, contributing to the challenging fire conditions.
In addition to the situation in Marseille, other wildfires are wreaking havoc across Europe. A wildfire near Narbonne has burned an area of about 2,000 hectares. The Catalonia region of Spain is grappling with its own wildfire crisis, with widespread evacuations and significant resources deployed for containment. Over in Greece, 41 wildfires erupted on Monday, with several still active.
As persistent heatwaves grip parts of southern and western Europe, the situation continues to develop, and further updates are anticipated as firefighting efforts persist.
The prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Georges-François Leclerc, advised local residents to stay indoors for their safety while emphasizing that firefighters are actively defending the city. Current reports indicate that approximately 400 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, while nine firefighters have sustained injuries during their valiant efforts.
At least 20 buildings have been compromised by the fire, although countless homes have been safeguarded thanks to the efforts of local emergency services. The fire was noted to have spread at an alarming rate of 1.2 km (0.7 miles) per minute at one point, exacerbated by intense winds and steep terrain.
In a show of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron, who was abroad on a state visit, extended his support to the firefighting crews and urged residents to adhere to safety protocols. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is currently on-site, collaborating with local leaders to mitigate the situation.
Marseille Provence airport has partially resumed operations after closing earlier, amidst what the airport president described as an unprecedented situation. Residents are advised to shut windows and doors and remain indoors while emergency routes remain accessible for firefighters.
The fire, which ignited near Pennes-Mirabeau, has consumed roughly 700 hectares (7 sq km) and began when a vehicle caught fire on a nearby motorway. Local authorities warn that the blaze is likely to continue shifting due to predicted high winds this evening.
Eyewitness accounts highlight the dire circumstances, with one local describing the scene as “apocalyptic.” There has been little to no rainfall in the region since mid-May, contributing to the challenging fire conditions.
In addition to the situation in Marseille, other wildfires are wreaking havoc across Europe. A wildfire near Narbonne has burned an area of about 2,000 hectares. The Catalonia region of Spain is grappling with its own wildfire crisis, with widespread evacuations and significant resources deployed for containment. Over in Greece, 41 wildfires erupted on Monday, with several still active.
As persistent heatwaves grip parts of southern and western Europe, the situation continues to develop, and further updates are anticipated as firefighting efforts persist.
