Marseille's Devastating Wildfire Leaves Over 100 Injured Amid Ongoing Battle

As flames continue to threaten the outskirts of Marseille, local officials confirm over 100 injuries and hundreds evacuated, while firefighting efforts persist amidst challenging conditions.

French authorities are grappling with a fierce wildfire that has encroached upon the outskirts of Marseille, resulting in over 100 injuries and evacuations. Mayor Benoit Payan reported the situation is gradually improving, stating the fire is "decreasing" but remains uncontrolled. As of Wednesday morning, restrictions imposed on affected areas were lifted, reflecting a "significant decline" in the fire's spread.

According to the interior ministry, 110 people have sustained minor injuries, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers, since the blaze ignited on Tuesday. Approximately 400 residents have been evacuated, with officials initially advising locals to remain indoors to ensure emergency vehicles could operate effectively.

Mayor Payan described the ongoing firefighting efforts as "guerrilla warfare," referring to the marine firefighter battalion engaged in tireless attempts to extinguish the flames. The fire, which reached its peak intensity spreading at 1.2 kilometers per minute, has been fueled by gusty winds and dense foliage on steep terrain.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with emergency responders during his visit to the UK, urging residents to adhere to safety protocols. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited Marseille to oversee the situation and confirmed that around 800 firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze.

Flights at Marseille Provence airport resumed with minimal disruption after a thorough shutdown due to the fire. Julien Coffinier, the airport's president, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the incident, which has engulfed approximately 700 hectares (7 square kilometers) since its outbreak, reportedly ignited from a vehicle fire on a nearby motorway.

Local resident Monique Baillard described the destruction as "apocalyptic," with many neighbors already fleeing the area. Columns of smoke have overwhelmed the city, while the region has not recorded any rainfall since May 19, contributing to the fire's rapid spread.

Efforts are not isolated to Marseille, as another wildfire near Narbonne, which began earlier this week, has consumed roughly 2,000 hectares, driven by winds of 60 kilometers per hour (40 mph). The summer heatwave affecting much of Western Europe has also prompted emergency measures as wildfires rage in multiple regions, including Catalonia in Spain and Greece, where tens of thousands faced evacuation orders due to escalating fire threats.