**Wildfires Rage Near Marseille: Emergency Response Mobilized**

**Marseille's emergency services face a grave wildfire threat with fierce winds and drought conditions exacerbating the situation, prompting mass evacuations and emergency measures.**

A significant wildfire has encroached upon the outskirts of Marseille, prompting the mobilization of around a thousand firefighters fighting to protect France’s second-largest city. Mayor Benoît Payan described the efforts of the marine firefighting battalion as “guerrilla warfare,” as they work tirelessly to contain the flames.

Georges-François Leclerc, the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône area, has urged residents to remain indoors as firefighters strive to maintain control over a rapidly evolving situation. While he noted that the fire is not completely under control, he acknowledged the firefighters' successes in saving hundreds of homes and limiting the fire's destruction to around 20 affected buildings.

As of now, evacuation orders have reached over 400 individuals with nine firefighters reportedly injured in the line of duty. The blaze, fueled by a combination of gusty winds, dense vegetation, and steep terrains, once spread at a staggering rate of 1.2 kilometers (approximately 0.7 miles) per minute. In response to the crisis, President Emmanuel Macron showed his support for the emergency crews while advising the public to adhere to safety instructions.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau made a visit to Marseille, engaging with local officials as the area's Provence Airport gradually reopened after a temporary shutdown. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and keep access clear for emergency crews.

Initial reports indicate that the fire originated from a vehicle blaze on a nearby motorway, rapidly expanding across approximately 700 hectares (about 7 square kilometers). The situation is alarming, particularly as the region has not seen rain since mid-May, according to local news sources.

Monique Baillard, a concerned resident, expressed the intensity of the situation, describing it as "apocalyptic," and noted that many in her neighborhood have chosen to evacuate. Observations on social media captured tremendous smoke clouds looming over the city as the fire spread in the hilly areas to the north.

The wildfire situation extends beyond Marseille, with additional fires reported elsewhere in France, including an active blaze near Narbonne affecting around 2,000 hectares. The threat of wildfires is not limited to France; regions in Spain and Greece are also facing severe fire risks due to an ongoing heatwave that has plagued much of southern and western Europe.