A fast-moving wildfire erupted near Marseille in southern France on Tuesday evening, injuring over 100 people and prompting hundreds of evacuations. Emergency services deployed significant resources to combat the blaze, which spread rapidly fueled by strong winds.
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The fire’s proximity to the major city of Marseille and its rapid spread posed a significant threat to residents and infrastructure. Authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control while prioritizing public safety.
Wildfire Spreads Rapidly Near Marseille
The wildfire reportedly started near the town of Les Pennes Mirabeau, just north of Marseille. Fueled by high winds, the fire spread at a peak rate of 1.2 kilometers per minute, according to Marseille’s mayor, Benoît Payan.
Emergency services described the effort to contain the blaze as “waging guerrilla warfare” due to its speed and intensity.
Response and Impacts
Around 800 firefighters were deployed to the scene and continued working through the night. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that efforts would focus on containing the fire and that weakening winds could help assess the situation in the coming hours.
Injuries and Evacuations
Local authorities reported that over 100 people sustained injuries in the wildfire, though no deaths were reported by late Tuesday evening. Among the injured were nine firefighters battling the blaze.
At least 400 people were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. This included 71 residents from a nursing home located in Pennes-Mirabeau.
Firefighter works to extinguish large wildfire burning near Marseille, southern France.
Residents were urged to remain indoors unless specifically instructed to evacuate, to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Authorities also advised keeping windows closed to prevent smoke inhalation.
Disruption to Transport and Infrastructure
The wildfire caused significant disruption to transport in the region. Flights to and from Marseille were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, impacting air travel.
Traffic at Marseille’s main train station was also affected. Sections of two major motorways in the area were closed to traffic to ensure safety and allow access for emergency crews.
As a safety measure against potential power disruptions from the fire, the city’s Hospital Nord switched to backup generators due to micro power cuts.
Context: Conditions Fueling the Blaze
The wildfire occurred amid a period of heightened fire risk in southern France. Several weeks of heat waves combined with strong winds created conditions conducive to rapid fire spread.
The region has experienced multiple smaller fires in recent days due to these environmental factors. Experts note that climate change has contributed to making wildfires in areas like southern France more frequent and destructive. You can read more about the link between climate change and heatwaves and efforts by the EU to deploy firefighters to high-risk zones.
Official Statements and Warnings
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the firefighters and offered condolences to those injured. He urged the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety instructions issued by authorities.
Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan highlighted the challenging nature of fighting the fast-moving fire. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized the continuous efforts of firefighters and the importance of wind conditions in determining the situation’s evolution.
The situation remains under close monitoring as firefighters continue their efforts to fully contain the blaze and assess the extent of the damage. For updates on travel disruptions, see our report on Marseille airport temporarily closed and flights delayed as wildfires blaze nearby.
