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Marseille Wildfire Largely Contained, Travel Services Resume

Officials warn that stronger winds could trigger new flare-ups even as the blaze that scorched over 700 hectares on Marseille’s outskirts is now under control.

Overview

  • The wildfire, sparked by a vehicle fire on the A552 motorway on July 8, burned roughly 700 hectares before its intensity eased overnight.
  • Marseille Provence Airport reopened its runways Wednesday after grounding flights, and the SNCF restored most train services following Tuesday’s suspensions.
  • More than 1,000 firefighters supported by helicopters and water-bombing aircraft battled gale-force winds, sustaining nine injuries but reporting no fatalities.
  • Lockdown orders for about 15,000 residents in the city’s 16th arrondissement were lifted Wednesday morning, though authorities remain on alert for re-ignitions.
  • The incident underscores the region’s heightened wildfire risk during an early-season heatwave and highlights the strain on emergency resources.