French firefighters are in a race against time as they combat a raging wildfire that threatens the outskirts of Marseille, resulting in over 100 injuries and significant evacuations. Mayor Benoit Payan announced on Wednesday that while the fire showed signs of decreasing, it was still far from contained. As per the interior ministry, 110 individuals reported minor injuries, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers since the blaze escalated on Tuesday. Evacuations affected at least 400 residents as authorities advised caution and instructed many to stay indoors to ensure emergency routes remained clear.
Wildfire Near Marseille Injures Over 100 as Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Wildfire Near Marseille Injures Over 100 as Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Ongoing efforts to control a devastating wildfire in Marseille lead to more than 100 injuries, with firefighters battling against fierce elements.
The firefighting efforts have been extensive, with Mayor Payan describing the marine firefighter battalion as engaging in "guerrilla warfare." At its most aggressive, the fire spread at a pace of 1.2 kilometers per minute, spurred by strong wind gusts and steep terrain. French President Emmanuel Macron, while on an official visit to the UK, extended his support to the firefighters and urged residents to comply with safety directives. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived in Marseille to assess the situation and confirmed that approximately 800 firefighters were working relentlessly to battle the blaze that was still out of control.
Although Marseille Provence airport resumed operations without restrictions by 9:30 local time on Wednesday, passengers faced delays as the airport had been partially closed since Tuesday. The fire, emerging near Pennes-Mirabeau, has spread over about 700 hectares and was reportedly ignited by a vehicle fire on the motorway. Local resident Monique Baillard described the scene as "apocalyptic," noting that many neighbors had already evacuated as thick smoke filled the sky. While Marseille grapples with its unrelenting wildfire, another blaze south of Narbonne continues to roar, fueled by high winds and scorching temperatures affecting vast regions of Europe.
These wildfires are indicative of a worrying trend, as several parts of Spain and Greece are also battling similar fierce blazes. The early summer heatwave gripping western and southern Europe has worsened conditions, resulting in multiple evacuations and heightened fire risks across the continent. The increasing frequency and intensity of such wildfires highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and preparedness strategies.
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Although Marseille Provence airport resumed operations without restrictions by 9:30 local time on Wednesday, passengers faced delays as the airport had been partially closed since Tuesday. The fire, emerging near Pennes-Mirabeau, has spread over about 700 hectares and was reportedly ignited by a vehicle fire on the motorway. Local resident Monique Baillard described the scene as "apocalyptic," noting that many neighbors had already evacuated as thick smoke filled the sky. While Marseille grapples with its unrelenting wildfire, another blaze south of Narbonne continues to roar, fueled by high winds and scorching temperatures affecting vast regions of Europe.
These wildfires are indicative of a worrying trend, as several parts of Spain and Greece are also battling similar fierce blazes. The early summer heatwave gripping western and southern Europe has worsened conditions, resulting in multiple evacuations and heightened fire risks across the continent. The increasing frequency and intensity of such wildfires highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and preparedness strategies.
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