A rapidly spreading wildfire reached the outskirts of Marseille on Tuesday 8th July, forcing Marseille Provence airport—France’s fourth‑busiest—to close and residents to shelter indoors. Fanned by fierce winds, the blaze swiftly consumed around 350 hectares, with thick smoke and ash enveloping the city’s suburbs.
The fires, driven by winds gusting up to 70 km/h, began in Les Pennes‑Mirabeau to the north and advanced into Marseille’s 16th borough, prompting urban smoke alerts. Residents were urged to close shutters and doors, and to remain indoors unless formally instructed otherwise, to keep roads clear for emergency services. Efforts by 168 firefighters, supported by fire engines, helicopters and aerial water bombers, aim to contain the flames. Smoke was reported miles away: “The sky is grey with ash, and the smell of fire is very strong in the centre of Marseille,” said one local bank worker to AFP.
Mayor Benoit Payan posted on X: “The fire that started in Pennes‑Mirabeau is now at the gates of Marseille,” while the regional prefecture advised, “At this stage, populations must remain confined … keep your property clear for emergency services”.
Airport shutdown and disrupted transport
Marseille Provence airport halted all take‑offs and landings from around midday, with incoming flights rerouted to Nice, Nîmes and other regional airports. SNCF suspended train services north and west of Marseille after flames endangered nearby tracks.
Regional wildfire context
This intense blaze adds to a string of wildfires across southern Europe, fuelled by early‑season heat and dry conditions. Greece and Spain are similarly grappling with forest fires, and southern France—including the wider Provence region—was placed under red alert by Météo‑France in several départements, including Bouches‑du‑Rhône. Just days prior, a blaze in Hérault burned some 400 ha before being brought under control.
Climate‑driven threats escalate
Experts warn that such events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The wider 2025 Mediterranean fire season has already caused fatalities, destroyed thousands of hectares and prompted the evacuation of more than 57,000 people across Europe. In France alone, nine people have been injured in wildfire‑related incidents so far, and national transport and aviation infrastructure have been disrupted.
What to watch next
Containment efforts remain underway in Marseille while weather conditions could shift quickly. Authorities continue to warn locals to comply with safety advice and stay prepared for possible evacuation orders. Given the wider regional fire activity, a prolonged “fire siege” scenario is unfolding as southern Europe endures a fierce and early heatwave.
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Photo source: Bataillon de Marins Pompiers de Marseille Facebook