Wildfire Threatens Marseille: Airport Closed, Trains Cancelled

Marseille Suburbs Under Threat as Wildfire Spreads

A rapidly advancing wildfire has reached the outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, causing significant disruption. Authorities confirm ten buildings have been damaged, while Marseille Provence Airport suspended all operations this afternoon. Residents and visitors are advised to remain indoors due to hazardous smoke conditions.

Transportation Network Paralyzed

Strong winds accelerated the flames toward urban areas, with smoke reaching central Marseille. Mayor Benoît Payan stated on social media platform X: "The fire originating in Les Pennes-Mirabeau has now reached Marseille's gates." The neighboring town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, located between the airport and city center, became the fire's origin point. Flight operations ceased completely, with diversions to Nice, Nîmes, and other regional airports. Rail services to northern and western France were canceled indefinitely.

Concurrent Fires Ravage Southern France

The Marseille blaze has consumed over 700 hectares, with firefighters deploying ground crews and water-dropping helicopters. Simultaneously, near Narbonne 250km west, another wildfire has destroyed 2,000 hectares of forest since yesterday. Gusts reaching 75km/h hampered containment efforts, forcing closure of the A9 motorway between Narbonne and the Spanish border. This marks the third major fire within a week in Aude department.

Catalonian Wildfire Spreads Across Northeast Spain

In neighboring Spain, Catalonian firefighters battle a separate blaze in Tarragona province that has devastated 3,100 hectares. Approximately 18,000 residents face movement restrictions as strong winds complicate containment. Catalonia's interior minister warned: "These remain critical hours requiring public caution." Spanish media reported smoke visible 400km away in Alicante province, highlighting the fire's massive scale.