A wildfire has erupted on the outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, prompting a massive firefighting effort. Approximately 1,000 firefighters are engaged in a struggle to control the blaze, which has already reached the vicinity of residential neighborhoods. Mayor Benoît Payan described their efforts as "guerrilla warfare," highlighting the urgency of the situation. Georges-François Leclerc, the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône area, urged residents to confine themselves indoors as the firefighting teams worked diligently to protect homes and infrastructure.
Wildfire Rages Near Marseille, Thousands Mobilized to Protect City
Wildfire Rages Near Marseille, Thousands Mobilized to Protect City
A fierce wildfire has sparked an emergency response in Marseille, with 1,000 firefighters battling flames threatening homes.
Authorities have reported that around 400 individuals have had to evacuate due to the rapidly spreading fire, which has injured nine firefighters and partially affected about 20 buildings. The fire initially spread at an alarming rate of 1.2 kilometers per minute, fueled by a mix of strong winds, dense foliage, and sloped terrain. Amid the crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on an official trip to the UK, expressed solidarity with local firefighters and urged citizens to adhere to safety protocols.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived on the scene to assess the situation and coordinate with local officials. Meanwhile, the nearby Marseille Provence airport has reopened after facing temporary closure. Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors shut and to remain vigilant, as the moisture-less Bouches-du-Rhône region has not seen rain since May 19.
The fire, reportedly ignited by a burning vehicle on the motorway, has consumed about 700 hectares (approximately 7 square kilometers) to date. With forecasts of continued strong winds, local authorities remain cautious as the situation evolves. On a broader scale, France, like other parts of Southern Europe, faces multiple uncontrolled wildfires, showcasing the risks prompted by the ongoing heatwave. The Catalonia region in Spain has also seen extensive fire activity leading to significant evacuations.
In addition to these challenges, Greece has been grappling with over 40 wildfires in recent days, leading to substantial responses from emergency services. As wildfires continue to spread across Europe, the urgent need for effective management of increasing environmental crises is becoming ever more apparent.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived on the scene to assess the situation and coordinate with local officials. Meanwhile, the nearby Marseille Provence airport has reopened after facing temporary closure. Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors shut and to remain vigilant, as the moisture-less Bouches-du-Rhône region has not seen rain since May 19.
The fire, reportedly ignited by a burning vehicle on the motorway, has consumed about 700 hectares (approximately 7 square kilometers) to date. With forecasts of continued strong winds, local authorities remain cautious as the situation evolves. On a broader scale, France, like other parts of Southern Europe, faces multiple uncontrolled wildfires, showcasing the risks prompted by the ongoing heatwave. The Catalonia region in Spain has also seen extensive fire activity leading to significant evacuations.
In addition to these challenges, Greece has been grappling with over 40 wildfires in recent days, leading to substantial responses from emergency services. As wildfires continue to spread across Europe, the urgent need for effective management of increasing environmental crises is becoming ever more apparent.
