Marseille Wildfire Injures Over 100, Evacuations Continue Amid Ongoing Battle

A devastating wildfire near Marseille has left over 100 individuals injured, including emergency responders, as firefighters work tirelessly to control the flames. With evacuations affecting hundreds of residents, authorities remain vigilant in addressing this escalating emergency amid challenging weather conditions.

French authorities, led by the mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, report that a wildfire threatening the outskirts of the city has resulted in more than 100 injuries. Although the blaze has shown signs of slowing, it remains a significant threat. The mayor announced the fire is "decreasing" but still not fully contained. To manage the evolving situation, restrictions placed on areas surrounding Marseille have been lifted as the spread of the fire appears to be declining.

The French interior ministry has noted that 110 individuals sustained minor injuries, which includes nine firefighters and 22 police officers who have been actively involved in combating the fire. To date, over 400 residents have been safely evacuated from their homes. Authorities have advised local residents to remain indoors and only evacuate upon official instruction to ensure emergency vehicles can navigate freely.

Mayor Payan described the firefighting response, mentioning that the marine firefighter battalion is engaging in "guerrilla warfare" tactics to bring the flames under control. The fire's rapid spread was attributed to a combination of factors including strong winds, dense foliage, and challenging terrains, with reports indicating it expanded at a rate of 1.2 kilometers per minute at its peak.

While in the UK on a state visit, French President Emmanuel Macron extended his support to firefighters and urged residents to adhere strictly to safety protocols. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was onsite in Marseille, assuring that the firefighting efforts would continue overnight as about 800 fighters remained committed to battle the blaze, which has so far consumed around 700 hectares near Pennes-Mirabeau.

Following the fire's impact, Marseille Provence airport has announced that flights will resume operation without restrictions, although disruptions are expected due to the earlier closure for safety measures. The airport's president noted this situation is unprecedented in scale.

The wildfire, reported to have been sparked by a vehicle fire on the motorway, has produced significant smoke plumes visible over Marseille's skyline, leading to concerns among residents. The region, part of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, has experienced an absence of rain since May 19, exacerbating the fire risk.

The wildfire crisis is not isolated to Marseille; similar situations are unfolding across Europe, including another significant wildfire in Narbonne that has engulfed around 2,000 hectares. Wildfires have been reported in Catalonia, Spain, forcing thousands of residents to remain indoors, and in Greece, where multiple active wildfires continue to challenge emergency services due to extreme temperatures. The ongoing heatwave across Europe has intensified the prevalence of these dangerous fire conditions, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency response efforts.