Marseille Wildfire Pushes Back After Evacuations, 110 Injured

A large wildfire near Marseille, France's second-largest city, has been pushed back but is not yet extinguished, with more than 1,000 firefighters deployed to control the blaze. The fire, which spread over approximately 700 to 720 hectares, forced evacuations of hundreds of residents and caused 110 injuries, mainly from smoke inhalation, including firefighters and police officers. The blaze disrupted key infrastructure, grounding all flights to and from Marseille and halting train traffic in the surrounding area, though flights resumed later while rail disruptions continued. The fire, described as particularly virulent, was fueled by hot summer winds and a prolonged heat wave that left the region parched and at heightened risk for wildfires. Authorities have managed to prevent a catastrophe, with damage reported to 63 residential buildings, including ten that were burned out, and no fatalities. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the emergency responders, and local officials lifted confinement orders as conditions improved but firefighting efforts continued.