MARSEILLE, France – July 9, 2025 – A fast-moving wildfire that reached the northwestern outskirts of Marseille has lost some intensity overnight, but the city’s airport remains closed to commercial flights as firefighters continue their intense efforts to contain the blaze. The fire, which reportedly started from a car catching fire by the side of a motorway near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, has been fanned by winds of up to 70 kph (43 mph).
Containment Efforts and Impact on Residents
Residents in the 16th arrondissement, who were previously advised to stay indoors for safety, are now permitted to leave their homes, according to Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan. He confirmed on social media that the fire in northern Marseille is now “clearly under control” in that area, but urged all residents to exercise extreme caution as emergency services remain hard at work.
Local officials stated that Marseille Provence Airport has suspended commercial flights to prioritize air resources for firefighting operations. While some roads might reopen for emergency vehicle passage, it is still too soon for hundreds of residents who fled the wildfire to return to their homes.
Scale of the Blaze and Broader Regional Concerns
Hundreds of firefighters, supported by helicopters and aircraft, have been battling the flames, which have sent plumes of smoke billowing over the southern coastal city. As of late Tuesday, the fire had consumed 700 hectares (2.7 sq miles). Remarkably, no fatalities have been reported, and hundreds of homes have been saved, according to regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau noted on Tuesday that the fire has been exceptionally fast-moving. This incident is part of a broader trend, as climate change has contributed to more destructive wildfires in Mediterranean countries in recent years. This week and last week, other significant fires have raged in northeastern Spain, on the Greek island of Crete, and in Athens, highlighting a challenging fire season across Southern Europe.
