Wildfire Forces Marseille Airport Shutdown, Trains Halted
A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern France has brought the city of Marseille to a standstill, leading to the shutdown of Marseille Provence Airport, suspension of all train services, and large-scale evacuations. The blaze erupted near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, just north of the city, and quickly overwhelmed local infrastructure due to high winds and dry conditions.
Wildfire Marseille
By late afternoon, the wildfire had scorched over 700 hectares of forest and residential land, driven by winds gusting up to 70 km/h. Emergency services responded with full force, deploying nearly 1,000 firefighters, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft. Despite their efforts, at least one building was destroyed and around ten others sustained damage, though hundreds of homes were successfully protected.
Airport Closed, Train Services Suspended
The Marseille airport, one of France’s busiest transit hubs, was closed for several hours, with dozens of flights cancelled or rerouted to alternate cities like Nice and Nîmes. Authorities managed to partially reopen the airport by late evening, though normal operations remained heavily disrupted. All train services to and from Marseille were also suspended as thick smoke blanketed the city, severely affecting visibility and air quality.
Evacuations and Emergency Measures
Roughly 400 residents were evacuated, including families from two apartment blocks and an elderly care home. Though no civilian fatalities have been reported, nine firefighters and a few residents sustained minor injuries. Citizens were advised to stay indoors, shut windows, and avoid travel to keep roads clear for rescue operations.
Firefighting Challenges and Weather Risks
Emergency officials described the situation as “guerrilla warfare” against the flames, due to unpredictable wind shifts and difficult terrain. The intensity of the fire worsened after sunset, with dry air and continued gusts complicating containment efforts. Authorities remain on high alert as the fire, though partially controlled, still poses a serious risk of flare-ups.
