A rapidly advancing wildfire near Marseille, France, has left at least 110 people injured, prompting widespread evacuations and a major firefighting effort. The blaze, which ignited early on Tuesday near the town of Pennes-Mirabeau, has spread across 700 hectares (7 sq km) of land, pushing emergency services into full action.
Firefighters Battle Wildfire Threatening Marseille’s Outskirts
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that around 800 firefighters are on the ground, continuing their efforts to combat the flames. The minister reassured the public that the operation would extend “all night” as the fire remains largely uncontained. Speaking from the scene, Retailleau acknowledged the difficulty of the situation as the fire was fanned by strong winds, dense vegetation, and steep slopes, making the task of controlling the blaze all the more challenging.
Marseille’s Mayor Benoît Payan added that the marine firefighter battalion is working tirelessly, likening their effort to “guerrilla warfare,” as they combat the flames. Nine firefighters and 22 police officers have been slightly injured, while the total number of injured civilians stands at 110.
Evacuations and Airport Disruptions
Authorities have evacuated at least 400 people, urging residents to stay indoors and only evacuate when instructed, ensuring clear roads for emergency vehicles. Local news reports indicate that Marseille Provence airport, which had been shut down earlier, partially reopened around 9:30 p.m. local time (7:30 p.m. GMT) after hours of closure.
Panic-stricken residents, many of whom have already left their homes, reported scenes of “apocalyptic” chaos. “It’s very striking,” said Monique Baillard, a local resident. “Many of my neighbours have already left.” Smoke plumes from the blaze have been visible above the city, as the fire rages in a hilly area to the north.
Environmental Conditions Fuel the Fire
This latest wildfire comes in the wake of a prolonged dry spell, with the Bouches-du-Rhône region recording no rainfall since May 19. The ongoing drought has left the area particularly vulnerable to fires. The fire’s rapid spread was also attributed to high winds and a car fire that sparked the initial blaze on the motorway.
French President Macron Offers Support
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the UK, expressed his full support for the firefighters and emergency responders in a message on X (formerly Twitter). “Our thoughts are with the injured and all residents,” Macron wrote, urging the public to follow safety protocols.
Ongoing Wildfire Threats Across Europe
The blaze near Marseille is just one of several fires affecting Europe. In southern France, another wildfire near Narbonne has burned through 2,000 hectares, with high winds continuing to exacerbate the situation. Meanwhile, in Spain’s Catalonia region, thousands of residents were ordered to stay home as wildfires spread over 3,000 hectares, fanned by scorching winds.
In Greece, more than 40 wildfires erupted on Monday, with many of them contained quickly. However, several remained active, contributing to the ongoing wildfire crisis across Europe. With a heatwave gripping much of the continent, the risks of wildfires remain high, prompting authorities to issue red alerts for multiple regions.
