Southern France Engulfed in Flames: Wildfire Forces Closure of Marseille Airport + Video
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing reuters and Mehr News Agency, French authorities report that although the wildfire reaching the forests surrounding Marseille has eased over the past 24 hours, the city’s airport remains closed to passenger flights. This measure prioritizes aerial resources for fire suppression in case the blaze reignites.
Local officials urged Marseille residents yesterday to stay indoors. Benoît Payan, mayor of Marseille, wrote on social media platform X that “the fire north of Marseille is now under control and District 16 has been lifted from quarantine.”
Martin Vassal, president of Marseille’s city council, stated, “Firefighters worked hard overnight to contain the flames but the job is not finished. Weather conditions remain concerning.”
Authorities said it is likely that France’s second-largest city airport will remain closed to passenger flights so it can be used as an aerial base for water-bombing aircraft and other air resources if the fire resumes.Officials added it is too soon for residents who evacuated during this emergency to return home.
The vast wildfire near Marseille has burned approximately 700 hectares of forested land but has not caused any fatalities so far. Bruno Retailleau, France’s interior minister, reported yesterday that due to rapid fire spread, 60 homes have been affected and ten have been completely destroyed. The minister also confirmed more than 110 people have been injured as a result of these fires.
