Airport closed as huge wildfire reaches outskirts of Marseille in southern France
Residents told to ‘close shutters and doors’ as wildfire rages
- A fast-moving wildfire has reached the outskirts of Marseille in southern France, leading to the closure of Marseille Provence airport on Tuesday.
- The blaze near Les Pennes-Mirabeau is being tackled by 168 firefighters, supported by fire engines and helicopters.
- Two housing estates in Les Pennes-Mirabeau have been evacuated, and residents in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, avoid travel and close shutters and doors.
- High winds are fanning the flames, causing significant smoke that is visible in central Marseille, and disrupting air travel with flights diverted.
- The disruption coincides with the start of the French summer holiday period, while another active wildfire near Narbonne in southwestern France has already burnt 2,000 hectares.