Forest fire threatens Marseille and closes airport in southern France

Forest fire threatens Marseille and closes airport in southern France

A rapidly angry forest fire reached the city belts of Marseille, the second largest city in France on Tuesday. This led to the closure of the airport, and the residents were asked to stay inside and close all openings to protect themselves from smoke.

fire width and effects

The fire that was felled by winds of up to 70 km/h was to smell to the center of Marseille, reported residents, while thick clouds of smoke floated over the city.

statements from residents

"It is very impressive-even apocalyptic," said Monique Baillard, a resident of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, a city north of Marseille, where the fire, which has now burned around 350 hectares, started.

current forest fire in Europe

forest fires, which have become increasingly destructive in the Mediterranean countries in recent years due to climate change, also rage in northeastern spanies, where large parts of the country are on increased alert.

Last week there were fires on the Greek island of Kreta , while a large part of Europe suffered from early heat.

security measures in Marseille

While the fire spread, the residents of the 16th district of Marseille, who borders on Les Pennes-Mirabeau, were instructed by the authorities to stay at home, close doors and windows and put moist cloths on all openings.

"The fire that broke out in Pennes-Mirabeau is now at the gates of Marseille," said Mayor Benoit Payan on X.

reports from those affected

A bank employee that was reached by phone reported: "The sky is gray of ash, and the smell of the fire is very strong in the center of Marseille."

The residents were advised not to evacuate unless it is ordered to keep the streets free for the emergency services.

"At this stage, the residents have to stay at home", posted the Provecture of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur on X. "Closes windows, doors, keep your property free for emergency services and avoid trips on the streets."

emergency services and infrastructure

The local fire service announced on X that 168 firefighters were sent to fight the fire. Feueren vehicles and helicopters were also used.

A spokesman for the Airport Marseille, the fourth most employed airport in France, said that no planes have been able to start or land since around noon, and some flights to Nice, Nîmes and other regional airports were diverted. It was unclear when the airport would open again.

The train connections in the northwestern direction of Marseille were set due to a fire near the tracks, the SNCF train operator said.

forest fires in southern France

In the meantime, a forest fire that had broken out near Narbonne in southwestern France was still active on Monday.

About 2,000 hectares have already been burned, reported the local prefecture.