Massive Blaze in Marseille: Injuries Reported and Buildings Damaged

A significant wildfire has alarmed residents in Marseille, with the flames still not fully extinguished. The fire spread alarmingly close to the southern French port city, leading to large clouds of smoke that cast a shadow over the metropolis, resembling scenes from a conflict zone. Emergency services have worked tirelessly to prevent a disaster, deploying hundreds of personnel overnight to tackle the inferno.

Authorities expressed palpable relief as they announced that there have been no fatalities or serious injuries reported, despite the chaos. However, the aftermath reflects the severity of the fire, which damaged 71 structures, including 68 residential buildings, with ten completely destroyed. Additionally, two warehouses and 15 vehicles were affected, according to reports from the prefecture.

A total of 97 individuals suffered minor injuries, with 24 requiring medical attention, including several first responders who inhaled toxic smoke. Approximately 400 people were evacuated, including 71 residents from a nursing home, while some neighborhoods were advised to remain indoors and seal their windows and doors to protect against smoke inhalation.

The firefighting operation was unprecedented, with 800 firefighters deployed alongside 250 firefighting vehicles, in addition to eight firefighting aircraft and seven helicopters that dropped around 400 tons of water on the flames. During the critical moments, officials urged citizens to trust in the response measures aimed at safeguarding both the public and property, assuring them that the situation was under control.

As life gradually returns to normal in the city, the Marseille airport, which had been temporarily closed due to firefighting operations, resumed flights the same evening. Train services also began to normalize after disruptions to TGV and regional connections were lifted. However, some highways remain affected, particularly where the fire originated from a burning vehicle that ignited adjacent vegetation, exacerbated by strong winds.

This incident follows a recent heatwave in France, raising concerns about the potential for a summer filled with destructive wildfires. Another significant blaze in Narbonne has already scorched 2,000 hectares of land. The Interior Minister has cautioned the public about the risk of further fires, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. The national weather service, Météo France, has also issued warnings regarding the high risk of additional fires in the coming days due to ongoing dry conditions and temperatures soaring to 35 degrees Celsius.