Marseille wildfire latest: Huge blaze rages on edge of French city and shuts airport

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A large plume of smoke is seen from the wildfire on the outer edge of Marseille

A large plume of smoke is seen from the wildfire on the outer edge of Marseille (AFP via Getty Images)

All flights have been grounded in Marseille after a fast-moving wildfire reached the outer edges of the French city.

Local authorities have warned people in affected areas to stay at home with doors and windows closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes.

Some 168 firefighters, two helicopters and 68 engines were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire could be smelled in the centre of Marseille, a resident told Reuters, with smoke covering parts of the city.

"The fire is spreading," the Marseille municipality said on X. "Avoid all outdoor activities and do not block emergency access routes. Follow instructions and alert messages."

There have been no reports of casualties.

Marseille airport announced that the runway had been closed at around midday.

Wildfires shut Marseille airport: everything we know

Flights scheduled at Marseille Airport have been suspended after a wildfire raged close to the southern French port city.

All residents in the local prefecture have been urged to stay indoors and close their windows to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes.

Live TV footage showed light smoke giving the sky over Marseille's old port a dusty aspect.

There have been no reports of any casualties so far.

Daniel Keane8 July 2025 15:38

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