The wildfire that erupted on the outskirts of Marseille has led to severe injuries and forced hundreds to flee their homes. The blaze began when a car caught fire in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, eight miles north of the city, and quickly expanded to approximately 1,700 acres due to strong winds. As of Wednesday morning, more than 100 people have been reported injured, including 30 firefighters and local police, while authorities have made the miraculous announcement that there have been no fatalities despite the blaze's ferocity.
France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, visited Marseille to oversee the emergency response and stated that about 600 firefighters, supported by 15 aircraft, are on the ground fighting the flames. An evacuation order was issued for 400 residents, while an additional 14,000 locals were advised to remain indoors to avoid smoke inhalation.
Marseille-Provence Airport temporarily halted flights as the fire spread, one of France's busiest airports, though services are expected to resume shortly. The wildfire coincides with an ongoing heatwave that has gripped Western Europe, increasing the risks of such catastrophic events. The French weather agency has echoed concerns over high levels of fire risk across the region due to these climatic conditions.
The situation remains critical as firefighters continue their efforts, battling the elements through the night in hopes of containing the blaze before it spreads further into populated areas.
France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, visited Marseille to oversee the emergency response and stated that about 600 firefighters, supported by 15 aircraft, are on the ground fighting the flames. An evacuation order was issued for 400 residents, while an additional 14,000 locals were advised to remain indoors to avoid smoke inhalation.
Marseille-Provence Airport temporarily halted flights as the fire spread, one of France's busiest airports, though services are expected to resume shortly. The wildfire coincides with an ongoing heatwave that has gripped Western Europe, increasing the risks of such catastrophic events. The French weather agency has echoed concerns over high levels of fire risk across the region due to these climatic conditions.
The situation remains critical as firefighters continue their efforts, battling the elements through the night in hopes of containing the blaze before it spreads further into populated areas.
