Major Wildfire in Marseille Grounds Flights, Forces Evacuations
A major wildfire that broke out north of Marseille, France, has resulted in the closure of the city's airport, injures to nine firefighters, and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. The blaze originated near the commune of Les Pennes-Mirabeau and has already covered 30 hectares at a 'very fast' speed, according to firefighters. The fire, fanned by hot summer winds, has now reached France's second-largest city, leading to an alert on mobile phones instructing residents to 'stay at home, doors and windows closed'.
The Blaze Breaks Out
The fire broke out at the end of the morning in the Pennes-Mirabeau area, rapidly spreading due to wind gusts, dense vegetation, and steep slopes in the area. Weather conditions have been described as 'extremely unfavorable' for firefighting efforts. Firefighters from various regions have been deployed on the outskirts of the southern French port city to prevent the blaze from reaching homes.
Disruption to Transportation Services
The wildfire has caused substantial disruptions to both air and rail travel. The Marseille Provence Airport suspended all flights due to the proximity of the fire. The SNCF, France's national state-owned railway company, announced the resumption of high-speed train traffic, although the fire has not been completely contained.
Evacuations and Injuries
The wildfire has forced many residents to evacuate their homes or barricade themselves indoors, with smoke choking the Mediterranean air. Nine firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. More than 1,000 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the fire.
Response from Officials
Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, speaking live from the Mariners-Firefighters' Security Control Center, stated that the fire is not yet 'fixed'. However, he expressed optimism that if the wind weakens as expected tonight, it 'will allow it to be fixed in the next few hours'. The regional prefect, Georges-François Leclerc, told reporters that the blaze was not yet stable or contained, but the situation appeared to be 'under control'. Residents of the 16th arrondissement and Pennes-Mirabeau have been advised to remain confined.
Current Status
While the fire is still active and involves 'a certain number of hotspots', the Prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône assures that the situation in Marseille is 'controlled'. The potential cause of the fire could be a vehicle on fire on the motorway, but investigations are ongoing. As France experiences an intense heatwave, firefighters around the Mediterranean continue to battle wildfires sparked by the extreme weather conditions.
In these critical times, the French population and authorities are pulling together to protect their city and its residents, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The situation is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.