Marseille Airport Halts Flights Amid Wildfire; Public Urged Indoors

Marseille Airport has suspended all flights due to a fast-spreading wildfire in the surrounding region. The blaze, intensified by high winds and dry conditions, has led to serious safety concerns. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to stay indoors and avoid affected areas. Emergency services are actively battling the flames, while travel disruptions and evacuations continue. The situation remains critical as officials monitor the fire's progress and prioritize public safety.

A wildfire, intensified by strong summer winds, advanced into France’s second-largest city on Tuesday, disrupting all air travel to and from Marseille, injuring several people, and prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders due to heavy smoke polluting the air.

One of the city’s major hospitals had to rely on backup generators, while much of the local train network was suspended, and road traffic either came to a halt or became severely congested.

The fire began near Les Pennes-Mirabeau and quickly spread toward Marseille, prompting the deployment of more than 1,000 firefighters. Approximately 720 hectares were scorched, according to local authorities.

Nine firefighters sustained injuries while fighting the flames. No fatalities have been reported at this time. Officials stated on Tuesday evening that the situation is under control, although the fire had not been completely put out. They also characterized the blaze as especially aggressive.

The fire erupted on a breezy, clear day following a prolonged heatwave that left southern France dry and more vulnerable to wildfires, several of which have recently erupted in the region. Pale smoke hung over Marseille’s old port, lending the sky a dusty haze as firefighting aircraft attempted to douse the flames on the city’s edges, which is home to nearly 900,000 people.

Hundreds of houses were evacuated, and residents in affected areas were advised to stay inside and off the roads. Those living in northern Marseille were also told to keep their windows shut to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. One worried family observed thick smoke rising above their hillside neighborhood and showed a journalist how their neighbor’s roof had been damaged, fearing their own home might be next.

Marseille’s airport confirmed a runway shutdown around midday. Local officials also noted that train services were suspended after flames crept dangerously close to tracks in L’Estaque, a scenic district of the city. Hospital Nord switched to generator power as a precaution due to brief power outages.

According to the University Hospitals of Marseille, this was done to protect critical imaging systems. They also requested current staff to remain on-site due to travel disruptions until the next shift could arrive.

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Source: theweek‍