Fast-spreading wildfire in France injures over 100, forces airport closure
Local media reported that nine firefighters are amongst the injured, and around 400 residents have been evacuated. Local authorities warned people to stay indoors, unless told otherwise, in order to keep emergency services open.At one point, the fire was spreading at an alarming speed of 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles) per minute, according to Mayor Payan. He said a mix of strong wind gusts, dense forest, and steep terrain made the fire extremely hard to control.FIRE FORCES AIRPORT CLOSUREThe wildfire even forced a temporary shutdown of Marseille Provence Airport. It partially reopened around 9:30 PM (local time) after being closed for several hours. The airport's president, Julien Coffinier, said, "I have never experienced a situation of this magnitude."French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently visiting the UK, shared his support for the people affected and the firefighters. In a post on X, he wrote, "Our thoughts are with the injured and all residents."Interior Minister Retailleau arrived in Marseille on Tuesday evening and met with local officials to assess the situation.Local reports say the fire may have started when a car caught fire on a motorway. The flames have since burned about 700 hectares (7 square kilometers) of land.Footage shared on social media and news outlets showed thick clouds of smoke rising into the sky as the fire burned through hills near Marseille.The area, Bouches-du-Rhne, has not received any rainfall since May 19, making the conditions even worse for firefighting teams.France is not alone in facing destructive wildfires. In the south of France near Narbonne, another wildfire that began on Monday is still active. Officials said it had already burned around 2,000 hectares of land. Wind speeds of up to 60 km/h (40 mph) have made it harder to contain.- Ends
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