Wildfire Threatens Marseille, Shuts Down Airport Amid Strong Winds

Marseille Wildfire Impact

• ✈️ Marseille airport has been forced to close, with no flights taking off or landing since midday due to a wildfire.
• 🏠 Residents in the city's 16th district have been instructed to stay indoors and shut all openings to protect themselves from smoke.
• 💨 The wildfire, fanned by winds up to 70 km/h, reached the outskirts of Marseille, with smoke visible in the city center.

Fire Origins and Proximity

• 🔥 The fires started in Miraabong, approximately 20 kilometers from Marseille, impacting the 16th district.
• 🏘️ The affected area includes housing estates, wild land, and is near the tourist area of Estaque, with flames licking its outskirts.

Regional Fire Situation

• 🏞️ Another major fire is affecting the area near Naron, between Montpellier and Perpignan, threatening historic villages like Baz and Kellak.
• 🛣️ The A9 motorway, connecting Montpellier to Spain, has been closed intermittently due to smoke from this fire.
• 🚒 Hundreds of firefighters are battling the Naron fire, which is not yet under control.

Environmental Factors

• 💨 Both fires are exacerbated by strong winds, a common occurrence in the region.
• 💧 Firefighters in Marseille have access to the Berre Lake for water scooping, offering a potential advantage in combating the blaze.