Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city

Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city
Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city

A fierce wildfire fuelled by gale-force winds on the outskirts of Marseille has prompted the second-largest airport in France to cancel all flights.

On Tuesday, July 8, the officials revealed that firefighters were battling the fire, and the decision to suspend airport activities came shortly after the blaze erupted outside the nearby town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau.

The regional prefect, Georges-François Leclerc, shared in a press conference, noting, "The instructions are simple: have confidence in firefighters, let emergency services do their job, and stay indoors," he said.

Fanned by a 70 km/h wind, with gusts reaching 100 km/h, the fire filled downtown Marseille with acrid smoke and flying cinders.

Authorities have urged residents, especially in the northern 15th and 16th arrondissements, closest to the blaze, to "stay inside so as to avoid any exposure to smoke" from the fire.

Furthermore, four sports halls in the city were prepared to accommodate evacuees.

Along with the airport, train services to and from the north and northwest of the city were also suspended, in addition to the closure of two motorways and main roads.

City hall informed that 720 firefighters, including dozens from neighbouring departments, were battling the blaze with 220 emergency vehicles. About 350 hectares of land had been consumed by late afternoon.

Local authorities said 20 houses had been destroyed, including several within the city limits, with no casualties reported.

Nine firefighters were being treated for smoke inhalation, and four residents had been hospitalised in "relatively urgent" circumstances.

Local media reported the cause appeared to have been a vehicle that caught fire on the A552 motorway.

Notably, around 4,000 fires start each year in France, with 90% caused by human activity. Negligently or accidentally causing a wildfire carries a jail term of up to 10 years in the country.

Related
Read more : World

Liberian president speaks English, country's official language 'beautifully,' says Trump

Liberian president speaks English, country's official language 'beautifully,' says Trump
The president of Liberia was praised for his command of English at the White House meeting

Chicago flash flood 2025: 5+ inches of rain prompts emergency alerts

Chicago flash flood 2025: 5+ inches of rain prompts emergency alerts
Garfield Park area recorded a surprising 4.63 inches of rain in just 90 minutes, with a storm total of 5.45 inches

Russia launches largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine amid escalating tensions

Russia launches largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine amid escalating tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemns Russia’s biggest aerial attack during ‘peace’ efforts

Philadelphia union workers strike ends after deal with city council

Philadelphia union workers strike ends after deal with city council
Nearly 10,000 Philadelphia blue-collar employees went on strike over a pay and benefits dispute

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house
New Mexico hit with record-breaking rainfall, flash flooding traps dozens in homes, vehicles

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’
Seoul sends six non-defectors to North Korea after their ‘strong desire’ to return home

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations
Guatemala earthquakes trigger landslides, causing injuries and widespread damage

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people
A search operation for a father and two children is underway in Ruidoso after they were swept away in floodwater