Mediterranean Wildfires Rage Across France, Spain, Greece, Disrupt Marseille Travel

A large and fast-moving wildfire near Marseille, France, has caused significant disruptions including the closure of Marseille Provence Airport and suspended train services, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. Strong winds reaching up to 70 kph intensified the fire, which has scorched between 350 and 700 hectares and damaged around 20 buildings, though no fatalities have been reported. More than 700 firefighters, supported by helicopters and aircraft, have managed to bring the blaze under control despite ongoing concerns about strong winds potentially spreading the fire further. The wildfire has created an 'apocalyptic' smoke cover over the city center, severely impacting daily life and forcing the use of generators in hospitals due to micro power cuts. This fire is part of a broader pattern of increased wildfire activity across Mediterranean countries like Spain and Greece, linked to ongoing heatwaves and climate change. Local officials emphasized the importance of residents only evacuating when instructed to avoid obstructing emergency response efforts.