Over 100 individuals have been injured in a wildfire that has expanded near Marseille, prompting extensive evacuation measures. Firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze, which has been fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.
Marseille Wildfire Injures Over 100 as Firefighters Battle Blaze
Marseille Wildfire Injures Over 100 as Firefighters Battle Blaze
A significant wildfire near Marseille has left many injured and led to mass evacuations, with firefighting efforts continuing throughout the night.
French firefighters are in a race against time as a devastating wildfire continues to blaze near the city of Marseille, resulting in injuries to over 100 people. According to Mayor Benoit Payan, the fire's intensity has diminished, but it remains a formidable threat that is still not contained. While the evacuation orders for residents have been reassessed, with some restrictions lifted, a sense of urgency remains amidst ongoing firefighting operations.
As of now, the interior ministry reported that 110 people have sustained minor injuries, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers, since the outbreak of the blaze. Approximately 400 residents have been forced from their homes, highlighting the scale of the emergency. Authorities advised locals to avoid unnecessary evacuations earlier declared to keep routes clear for emergency responders.
Describing the situation, Mayor Payan noted that Marseille's marine firefighters are engaged in a strenuous effort akin to "guerrilla warfare." The fire has been exceptionally aggressive, spreading at notable speeds of up to 1.2 kilometers per minute, primarily due to adverse weather conditions including gusty winds and the topography of the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended support to the fire crews while emphasizing the necessity for residents to heed safety measures. The Interior Minister, visiting the scene, confirmed that approximately 800 firefighters would continue to actively combat the wildfire throughout the night.
Disruptions were also reported at Marseille Provence Airport, which partially reopened amidst the emergency. The fires, which originally began near Pennes-Mirabeau, have already consumed about 700 hectares of land and are believed to have been triggered by a vehicle fire on the motorway.
In the broader context, wildfires are a growing concern throughout Europe, with other blazes threatening areas in Spain, where thousands were ordered to stay indoors due to dangerous conditions. A similar situation unfolded in Greece, where multiple wildfires were reported amid a prolonged heatwave affecting the region. The alarming uptick in wildfire incidents across Europe underscores the urgent reality of climate change and the need for robust preventive measures and community preparedness to mitigate future disasters.
