A large-scale wildfire has erupted on the fringes of Marseille, leading local authorities to deploy around a thousand firefighters in a desperate bid to control the flames threatening France's second-largest city. Mayor Benoît Payan described the marine firefighter battalion's efforts as "guerrilla warfare" against the advancing fire. Georges-François Leclerc, the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, advised residents to remain indoors while emphasizing that firefighters were actively working to defend the city.
French media reported that at least 400 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the fire, which ignited earlier on Tuesday after a vehicle caught fire on a nearby motorway. As of now, nine firefighters are known to have sustained injuries, while around 20 buildings have been partially affected by the blaze. The rapid spread of the fire, reaching 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) per minute at its peak, can be attributed to a hazardous mix of dense vegetation, steep terrain, and gusty winds.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his support to the firefighting crews and urged local residents to adhere to safety protocols via a social media post. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has visited the scene to meet with local officials and assess the situation. While Marseille Provence airport closed operations earlier in the day, it has since partially reopened.
Local residents have received advice to stay indoors, shut all doors and windows, and keep emergency routes clear. The wildfire, originating from the vicinity of Pennes-Mirabeau and covering approximately 700 hectares (7 square kilometers), continues to threaten the area, with strong winds expected to persist through the evening.
Witnesses, including resident Monique Baillard, described the scenes as "apocalyptic," with many neighbors choosing to evacuate. In the backdrop of this emergency, the Bouches-du-Rhône region has not documented any rainfall since May 19.
Further complicating matters, another wildfire persists near Narbonne, already burning 2,000 hectares due to similar windy conditions. Furthermore, ongoing wildfires have struck various locations across Europe, including Spain and Greece, where temperatures have skyrocketed. Emergency services remain vigilant as the heatwave continues to fuel the flames, resulting in thousands of evacuations across the continent.
