In brief
Firefighters are engaged in a fierce battle against a wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille, France's second largest city, which has already resulted in over 100 injuries and mandatory evacuations for residents. The blaze erupted after a car fire in the Les Pennes-Mirabeau area, approximately eight miles from the city, and has expanded to cover around 1,700 acres due to erratic, strong winds.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported on Tuesday night that at least 110 individuals, including 30 firefighters and local police, had sustained injuries but there were no fatalities despite the fire's severity—an “exceptional” situation, he noted. The government has ordered the evacuation of at least 400 individuals, while an additional 14,000 residents were instructed to remain indoors as a precaution.In response to the fire, Marseille-Provence Airport temporarily ceased operations, halting flights at one of France’s busiest airports until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with ongoing safety concerns potentially impacting future flight schedules.The blaze occurred in the wake of a prolonged heatwave that has gripped Western Europe, turning forests into highly flammable landscapes. The French weather agency has cautioned of heightened wildfire risks across the country under similar windy conditions, further complicating firefighting efforts. As the situation develops, over 600 firefighters, supported by 15 aerial firefighting units, remain engaged in the struggle to control the blaze and prevent it from reaching the city itself.
