Wildfire ‘at the gates’ of Marseille as mayor warns people to stay inside

A wildfire is “at the gates” of Marseille after it caused flights to be suspended at an airport around 15 miles away, the city’s mayor has warned.

A local fire service earlier said 168 firefighters had been deployed to fight the blaze of around 30 hectares near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille.

The fire caused flights to be suspended at Marseille Provence Airport.

It came before Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan warned people in the 16th arrondissement of the city to “remain confined” as the blaze approaches France’s second most populated city.

He wrote on X: “The violent fire declared in Pennes-Mirabeau is now at the gates of Marseille.

“I ask all Marseillais to be extremely vigilant and to limit their movements as much as possible to make way for emergency services, particularly in the north of the city.

“Residents of the 16th arrondissement are requested to remain confined.”

He added that the French Navy would form part of the response to the blaze.

Fire engines and helicopters have so far been used in the response to the fire.

Residents in Les Pennes-Mirabeau were urged to keep streets clear to avoid hindering emergency services.

With the fire approaching Marseille, the prefecture also advised residents in the northern area of the city to remain inside with doors and windows closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes.

There have been no reports of casualties.

A spokesperson for Marseille airport said planes had not been taking off or landing since around midday and some flights had been diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports.

It was unclear when the airport would reopen.