Marseille Wildfire Forces Airport Closure, Injures Firefighters

A severe wildfire fueled by hot summer winds has spread to Marseille, France's second-largest city, forcing the closure of Marseille Provence Airport and grounding all flights. The blaze has consumed around 720 hectares and led to the evacuation of hundreds of homes, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to toxic smoke. Over 1,000 firefighters were deployed to combat the particularly virulent fire, which injured nine firefighters but has not caused any fatalities. The fire disrupted train services and road traffic, and a major hospital switched to backup generators amid the crisis. While the situation is currently under control, the airport may face further closures to allow for continued firefighting efforts. The wildfire follows a prolonged heatwave across Europe, increasing the risk of such fires in the region.