Over 100 Injured as Wildfire Near Marseille Prompts Major Emergency Response

Sun Oct 19 2025 03:29:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

French authorities battle a relentless wildfire near Marseille that has left over a hundred injured and forced evacuations, with firefighting efforts still ongoing.

A wildfire raging near Marseille has led to more than 100 injuries, prompting extensive firefighting efforts and evacuations. As authorities declare a significant decline in the fire's spread, residents remain urged to adhere to safety measures.

French firefighters are fighting a devastating wildfire that has reached the outskirts of Marseille, resulting in over 100 injuries and significant evacuations. Mayor Benoit Payan indicated that while the fire's spread is decreasing, it has not yet been fully contained.

As of the latest reports, at least 110 individuals, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers, have sustained minor injuries since the start of the blaze on Tuesday. Authorities stated that approximately 400 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. In the initial response, local officials advised the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel to allow emergency vehicles clear access.

In combating the fire, Mayor Payan expressed that Marseille's marine firefighter battalion is engaged in "guerrilla warfare," indicating the intensity of their efforts. The fire was reported to be spreading rapidly, at a pace of 1.2 kilometers per minute due to a combination of strong winds, dense vegetation, and steep terrain.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting the UK at the time, expressed solidarity with the firefighting teams and urged the public to heed safety protocols. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived on the scene to oversee response efforts, which included around 800 firefighters working throughout the night.

Disruptions in air travel were expected, though Marseille Provence airport announced a return to operations at 9:30 local time, having partially reopened following a day of closure. The fire, which consumed around 700 hectares, was initially triggered by a vehicle fire on the nearby motorway.

Resident Monique Baillard described the scene as "apocalyptic," reflecting the frightening impact on the community. Plumes of smoke towered over France's second-largest city, with the Bouches-du-Rhône region experiencing a prolonged drought, with no recorded rainfall since May 19.

Further exacerbating the situation, other wildfires have emerged across France and beyond, including a significant blaze near Narbonne now affecting 2,000 hectares and additional fires reported in Spain and Greece, heightened by extreme summer heat across Europe. Emergency units and firefighters continue efforts to quell the flames as residents face the ensuing crisis.