A fierce wildfire has erupted near Marseille, France, prompting the mobilization of roughly 1,000 firefighters to safeguard the city. Mayor Benoît Payan described the situation as an intensive battle, akin to "guerrilla warfare" as local responders utilize every tool at their disposal. The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, Georges-François Leclerc, reassured the public that while the battle against the blaze is ongoing, it is being "defended" effectively.
**Wildfire Emergency in Marseille: 1,000 Firefighters Mobilized to Protect City**
**Wildfire Emergency in Marseille: 1,000 Firefighters Mobilized to Protect City**
Emergency response efforts intensify as a massive wildfire threatens Marseille, leading to significant evacuations and injuries.
Reports indicate that about 400 residents have been evacuated, while nine firefighters sustained injuries in the line of duty. Firefighters managed to protect hundreds of homes, although around 20 buildings have experienced some level of fire damage. The blaze, which reached peak spread rates of 1.2 kilometers per minute, was exacerbated by strong winds, dense vegetation, and the area’s steep terrain.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his support for the courageous firefighting teams and advised citizens to heed safety warnings. Meanwhile, locals remain indoors as authorities recommend closing windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation. The fire, which began in Pennes-Mirabeau and has charred approximately 700 hectares, may continue spreading due to persistent wind conditions.
Footage from the scene illustrates enormous clouds of smoke engulfing the area, prompting anxiety among residents, as the region has not received any rain since mid-May. Similar wildfire threats have emerged across Europe, adding to concerns about climate impacts that fuel these natural disasters in a season noted for extreme temperatures.
In Spain, a wildfire in Tarragona has led to extensive evacuations, while Greece faces multiple active fires. Western and southern Europe, plagued by an early summer heatwave, has raised alarms over future wildfire risks as conditions worsen.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his support for the courageous firefighting teams and advised citizens to heed safety warnings. Meanwhile, locals remain indoors as authorities recommend closing windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation. The fire, which began in Pennes-Mirabeau and has charred approximately 700 hectares, may continue spreading due to persistent wind conditions.
Footage from the scene illustrates enormous clouds of smoke engulfing the area, prompting anxiety among residents, as the region has not received any rain since mid-May. Similar wildfire threats have emerged across Europe, adding to concerns about climate impacts that fuel these natural disasters in a season noted for extreme temperatures.
In Spain, a wildfire in Tarragona has led to extensive evacuations, while Greece faces multiple active fires. Western and southern Europe, plagued by an early summer heatwave, has raised alarms over future wildfire risks as conditions worsen.
