A fast-moving wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille has injured at least 110 people and forced hundreds from their homes, as firefighters continue to battle the flames into the night.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the blaze is still not under control, with around 800 firefighters deployed in the area. Nine firefighters are among the injured.
The fire, which started Tuesday near Pennes-Mirabeau north of Marseille, is believed to have been caused by a car fire on the motorway. It spread rapidly — at one point moving at 1.2 kilometres per minute — fuelled by wind gusts, dense vegetation and steep terrain according to authorities.
At least 400 people have been evacuated. Authorities instructed residents to remain indoors unless ordered to leave, to keep roads clear for emergency teams.
Huge smoke clouds hovered over France’s second largest city, and Marseille Provence Airport — the country’s fourth-busiest — was forced to close for several hours. Its President, Julien Coffinier, said the situation was unprecedented. The airport reopened partially after 21:30 local time.
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the UK, voiced support for emergency workers and urged locals to follow safety instructions. “Our thoughts are with the injured and all residents,” he posted on X.
The blaze has scorched about 700 hectares of land. Local media say the Bouches-du-Rhône region hasn’t seen a drop of rain since 19 May, contributing to the fire’s intensity.
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