French Firefighters Combat Wildfire Near Marseille: Latest Updates
The battle against a raging wildfire near Marseille continues, with French firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blaze that has left over 100 people injured. As of Wednesday morning, Mayor Benoit Payan reported that while the fire is "decreasing," it is still not fully under control. Fortunately, restrictions previously imposed in the outskirts of the city have been lifted due to a "significant decline" in the fire’s spread.
According to the interior ministry, 110 individuals sustained minor injuries, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers, since the outbreak of the fire on Tuesday. In response to the emergency, at least 400 residents have been evacuated from their homes. Authorities had advised locals to remain indoors and to only evacuate when instructed, ensuring that emergency vehicles could navigate the area safely.
Mayor Payan described the situation as a "guerrilla warfare" effort, highlighting the dedication of Marseille’s marine firefighter battalion. He noted that at one point, the fire spread at an alarming rate of 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) per minute, driven by gusty winds, dense vegetation, and steep terrain.
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the UK, expressed solidarity with the firefighting teams and urged residents to adhere to safety protocols. "Our thoughts are with the injured and all residents," he shared on social media.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived in Marseille on Tuesday evening to meet with local officials. He confirmed that approximately 800 firefighters are actively combating the blaze, which remains uncontained as efforts continue through the night.
Marseille Provence Airport announced that flights would resume "without restrictions" at 9:30 AM local time (7:30 GMT) on Wednesday, following a partial reopening the previous evening. Airport President Julien Coffinier remarked that he had never witnessed a situation of this magnitude.
The wildfire, which ignited Tuesday near Pennes-Mirabeau, has scorched around 700 hectares (7 square kilometers). Local authorities reported that the blaze was triggered by a vehicle fire on the motorway. Resident Monique Baillard described the scene as "apocalyptic," noting that many neighbors had already evacuated.
Dramatic footage captured vast plumes of smoke rising over France’s second-largest city as the fire raged in the hilly areas to the north. The Bouches-du-Rhône region has not experienced any rainfall since May 19, exacerbating the conditions for wildfires.
In addition to the Marseille fire, another blaze near Narbonne remains active, fueled by winds of up to 60 km/h (40 mph), having consumed approximately 2,000 hectares. Wildfires are also impacting other regions of Europe, including Catalonia in northeastern Spain, where more than 18,000 residents were advised to stay home due to an ongoing wildfire in Tarragona. Emergency teams and around 300 firefighters are battling the flames, which have devastated nearly 3,000 hectares.
Greece is also facing its challenges, with 41 wildfires reported Monday, of which seven remained active into the evening. This early summer heatwave has led to alarming conditions across western and southern Europe, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes in the face of these destructive wildfires.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
