At least 110 people have been injured as fast-spreading wildfires rage through France’s second-largest city, Marseille. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said nearly 800 firefighters have been deployed to battle the blazes, which remain out of control. “Our efforts continue,” he stated.
According to French media, at least 400 residents have been evacuated from their homes. Reports also confirm that nine firefighters have sustained injuries.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid leaving their homes unless instructed, to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
BFMTV reports that the city’s mayor described the fires as spreading at a speed of 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) per minute, attributing the rapid expansion to strong winds, dense vegetation, and steep terrain.
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a state visit to the United Kingdom, expressed solidarity with the firefighters and urged residents to follow safety instructions. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Our thoughts are with the injured and with all residents.”
Interior Minister Retailleau arrived in Marseille on Tuesday evening local time, where he met with local officials to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, wildfires have also been reported in other parts of Europe. In northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region, over 18,000 people were instructed to remain indoors on Tuesday due to a wildfire in the eastern province of Tarragona.
After strong overnight winds fueled the flames, 300 firefighters and emergency crews were deployed to tackle the blaze, which has so far scorched nearly 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres).
In Greece, around 41 wildfires were reported nationwide on Monday. Fire services said 34 were quickly brought under control, while seven remained active by Monday evening.
Much of Western and Southern Europe has been battling severe heatwaves at the start of summer, triggering wildfires and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
Source: BB.