Massive Wildfire Threatens Marseille; Airport Shuts Down

A significant wildfire is raging near the southern French city of Marseille, with reports indicating that over 350 hectares of forest have already been engulfed in flames, as reported by emergency services. Strong winds are propelling the fire dangerously close to the vibrant port city.

The wildfire is believed to have been sparked by a vehicle fire on the A552 highway earlier in the day. From there, the flames quickly spread into the surrounding dry countryside. By midday, authorities were compelled to close the international airport serving Marseille.

According to a spokesperson for Marseille-Provence Airport, operations were halted for both departures and arrivals starting at noon, with some flights redirected to other regional airports. The local prefecture has issued warnings to residents in specific neighborhoods, advising them to remain indoors, keep windows closed, and use damp cloths to block smoke from entering their homes.

As the fire approached, chaos ensued as many residents attempted to evacuate. One local resident described the scene to a news outlet, recounting a long and slow crawl in traffic as they tried to reach safety along the coast. Reports indicate that it took her 40 minutes to travel just 300 meters.

Initially, residents of the suburb of Pennes-Mirabeau were instructed to stay inside their homes. In response to the escalating situation, more than 60 fire trucks, two helicopters, and approximately 170 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze. Additionally, transportation on regional train lines and several highway segments was disrupted as a safety precaution.

Marseille, with a population nearing 870,000, is the second-largest city in France, following Paris. The broader Aix-Marseille-Provence area is home to around two million residents, making the safety of the region a top priority as firefighters continue their efforts to control the inferno.