Ongoing Fire in Marseille Continues, Leaving 110 Slightly Injured
A large wildfire near the French city of Marseille has continued to cause disruption and damage, with emergency services working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The fire, which broke out in the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, has rapidly spread due to strong winds and dry vegetation following recent heatwaves.
**Casualties and Damages**
As of now, there have been no reported casualties from the wildfire. The fire has consumed about 350 hectares (approximately 860 acres) of land. The blaze is described as being "at the doors of Marseille," causing significant concern but no confirmed damage to homes or infrastructure in the city limits yet.
**Impact and Disruptions**
The wildfire has had a significant impact on travel in the region. Marseille Provence Airport had to close its runways around midday, resulting in the cancellation of at least 10 flights including departures to Brussels, Munich, and Naples. Train travel was also disrupted, with several trips canceled in and out of Marseille. Authorities have urged residents in the northern parts of Marseille to stay indoors and avoid roads to allow emergency services to operate freely.
**Response Efforts**
About 168 firefighters, supported by two helicopters and 68 fire engines, have been deployed to fight the blaze. A total of roughly 700 firefighters are reported to be involved in firefighting efforts in the region. From the air, 400 tons of water are being used to fight the rapidly spreading fire. The situation remains serious but contained at present, with continuous firefighting efforts underway to prevent the fire from spreading further into the city.
**Context**
The wildfire comes amid a spate of fires across southern France, worsened by prolonged heatwaves and strong winds. Climate change has been cited as a factor increasing the intensity and frequency of such extreme heat events.
**Update**
In a show of support, French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the UK, has expressed his support for the firefighters and the injured. The airport in Marseille, temporarily closed due to firefighting operations, has resumed operations in the evening. Among the injured are 31 firefighters and police officers. The firefighting operation will continue throughout the night with hundreds of personnel.
In summary, the wildfire near Marseille is large and disruptive, threatening the city’s outskirts, causing airport and train cancellations, but at this time there are no reported casualties and emergency services are actively combating the fire.
Despite the ongoing wildfire threat, no reported casualties have been confirmed. However, the fire has led to disruptions in the health-and-wellness sector, with 31 firefighters and police officers sustaining injuries. The fire has also impacted the science domain, as climate change is cited as a contributing factor to the increase in such extreme heat events. Meanwhile, in the realm of general news, accidents such as fires continue to cause widespread disruptions, with Marseille Provence Airport and train services experiencing cancellations. In response, mental-health services may also be affected as residents cope with the stress and uncertainty brought about by the wildfire.
