A severe wildfire has erupted on the outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, prompting a fierce battle from a thousand firefighters mobilized to safeguard the community. Mayor Benoît Payan described their efforts as "guerrilla warfare," highlighting the urgency with which the city's fire and rescue service is fighting to contain the flames.
Authorities are urging locals to remain indoors as the Bouches-du-Rhône prefect, Georges-François Leclerc, reassured the public that while the situation remains fluid, it is being kept "under control." Evacuations are in motion, with at least 400 individuals forced to leave their homes as the flames have affected around 20 structures. Notably, a rapid expansion of the fire was recorded, reaching a spread rate of 1.2 kilometers per minute at its height, attributed to a unique combination of strong winds, dense vegetation, and steep terrain.
In light of the emergency, French President Emmanuel Macron, currently in the UK, extended his support to the firefighting teams and urged residents to heed safety directives. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited the fire site to meet with local leaders, and Marseille Provence Airport has partially reopened after hours of closure due to the crisis.
Residents near the Pennes-Mirabeau area, where the fire initiated from a vehicle blaze on the motorway, have been advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and keep thoroughfares clear for emergency responders. The wildfire has managed to consume approximately 700 hectares, in an area that has recorded no rainfall since mid-May.
Witnesses described the scene as "apocalyptic," with vast plumes of smoke engulfing the skyline. Meanwhile, firefighting efforts are needed across Europe, where several regions, including Narbonne, Catalonia, and Greece, are also battling fierce wildfires, exacerbated by soaring temperatures and dry weather conditions. As the heatwave grips Western and Southern Europe, these incidents evoke a deeper reflection on the increasing impact of climate change on landscapes and communities, requiring urgent action and solidarity to respond effectively.
