The fire, fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, has led to over 100 injuries, including firefighters, with significant damage to property and local infrastructure.
**Wildfire Near Marseille Injures Over 100 and Sparks Evacuations**
**Wildfire Near Marseille Injures Over 100 and Sparks Evacuations**
A fast-moving wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille causes significant injuries and mandatory evacuations for locals.
In the early hours of Wednesday, firefighters continued their battle against a rapidly spreading wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille, France, that has already injured over 100 individuals and forced the evacuation of hundreds more. The inferno, which ignited due to a car fire in the nearby town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, located roughly eight miles north of Marseille, has extended its reach across approximately 1,700 acres. With erratic winds fanning the flames, authorities have been compelled to halt flights, suspend train services, and close certain roads to safeguard local residents and prevent additional chaos.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau traveled to Marseille that same night to assess the situation and address the press in the company of the city’s mayor and other officials. During their statements, Retailleau confirmed that at least 110 people had sustained injuries, including around 30 firefighters and a number of police officers on duty. He remarked on the “exceptional” fact that no fatalities had occurred despite the fire's severity.
More than 600 professional and volunteer firefighters are currently engaged in combating the blaze, utilizing a fleet of 15 airplanes and helicopters equipped for firefighting efforts. Approximately 400 individuals in immediate danger were ordered to evacuate, while an additional 14,000 were advised to remain indoors for safety.
The Marseille-Provence Airport, one of the busiest in France, announced the suspension of flights as a precautionary measure on Tuesday, although it was slated to reopen by 9:30 PM. Nonetheless, officials cautioned that travel disruptions could persist even after reopening.
The fire was kindled following a prolonged heatwave that parched the region, transforming vegetation into dry kindling. The French weather agency has also indicated heightened risks of forest fires in other parts of the country due to ongoing windy conditions.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau traveled to Marseille that same night to assess the situation and address the press in the company of the city’s mayor and other officials. During their statements, Retailleau confirmed that at least 110 people had sustained injuries, including around 30 firefighters and a number of police officers on duty. He remarked on the “exceptional” fact that no fatalities had occurred despite the fire's severity.
More than 600 professional and volunteer firefighters are currently engaged in combating the blaze, utilizing a fleet of 15 airplanes and helicopters equipped for firefighting efforts. Approximately 400 individuals in immediate danger were ordered to evacuate, while an additional 14,000 were advised to remain indoors for safety.
The Marseille-Provence Airport, one of the busiest in France, announced the suspension of flights as a precautionary measure on Tuesday, although it was slated to reopen by 9:30 PM. Nonetheless, officials cautioned that travel disruptions could persist even after reopening.
The fire was kindled following a prolonged heatwave that parched the region, transforming vegetation into dry kindling. The French weather agency has also indicated heightened risks of forest fires in other parts of the country due to ongoing windy conditions.
