French firefighters are working tirelessly to extinguish a devastating wildfire that has spread to the outskirts of Marseille, resulting in over 100 injuries. Mayor Benoit Payan informed the press that while the fire's severity has begun to decline, it has not yet been fully controlled. A significant reduction in the fire's spread led to lifted restrictions for residents in the affected areas, as the mayor announced on social media.
The French interior ministry confirmed that at least 110 people, which include nine firefighters and 22 police officers, have sustained minor injuries since the fire began Tuesday. Additionally, approximately 400 local residents have been evacuated from their homes. Officials initially advised residents to remain indoors and only evacuate if absolutely necessary to keep emergency routes clear.
At its peak, the fire advanced at a frantic pace of 1.2 km per minute, fueled by gusty winds, thick vegetation, and challenging terrain, as described by Mayor Payan. President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the UK, extended his support for the firefighting teams and urged residents to heed safety guidance.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived in Marseille on Tuesday evening to discuss ongoing efforts with local officials. Approximately 800 firefighters are actively combatting the blaze, with efforts set to continue through the night as they work to contain it.
Flights at Marseille Provence airport resumed without restrictions on Wednesday morning, although interruptions had occurred due to the situation the day prior. Airport president Julien Coffinier remarked on the unprecedented scale of events unfolding.
The wildfire ignited earlier near Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, reportedly started by a vehicle fire on the motorway, and has scorched around 700 hectares. Local resident Monique Baillard described the scene, noting the alarming clouds of smoke hanging over the region.
In an alarming broader context, another wildfire in France near Narbonne has burned around 2,000 hectares since its start on Monday, exacerbated by strong winds. Wildfires continue to emerge in various European regions, including Catalonia, Spain, where 18,000 residents were ordered to stay indoors due to a nearby blaze. Over 300 firefighters have been deployed to combat flames that have consumed vast swathes of land.
Greece too has faced dire wildfire conditions, with 41 fires reported, though most were quickly contained. The extreme heat gripping much of southern and western Europe has been fueling these widespread fire emergencies, forcing mass evacuations and straining firefighting resources across the continent.
