Wildfire injures more than 110 and damages dozens of homes near Marseille, France
More than 110 people were injured and at least 10 homes destroyed as a wildfire spread into the northern districts of Marseille, France, on July 8 and 9, 2025. The fire forced evacuations, grounded flights at the city’s airport, and damaged critical infrastructure during intense summer heat and strong winds.
Smoke rising over northern Marseille as firefighters battle the wildfire near Les Pennes‑Mirabeau on July 8, 2025. Image credit: Quissam Sciri
A fast-moving wildfire broke out on July 8, near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, approximately 13 km (8 miles) north of Marseille’s city center. The fire’s rapid spread was caused by strong winds reaching up to 100 km/h (62 mph), combined with high temperatures and dry vegetation.
Authorities confirmed that between 110 and 119 people were injured, the majority suffering from smoke inhalation. Among the injured were at least nine firefighters. No fatalities have been reported.
Around 400 residents were evacuated from affected neighborhoods, while confinement orders were issued for tens of thousands of others. By the evening of July 9, most restrictions had been lifted as the fire began to recede.
According to local officials, approximately 10 to 12 houses were completely destroyed and 63 others sustained varying degrees of damage. Hundreds of additional homes were threatened but spared due to firefighting efforts.
Marseille Provence Airport suspended all operations during part of the incident and resumed flights later on July 9. Hospital Nord operated on emergency generator power after losing electricity. Sections of the A552 motorway, identified as the likely ignition point of the fire, possibly due to a vehicle fire—and several railway lines were temporarily closed.
Between 700 and 1 000 firefighters were deployed, supported by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters. Officials described firefighting efforts as “guerrilla warfare” due to challenging terrain, shifting winds, and multiple flare-ups.
The blaze was declared partially contained by the evening of July 9 and remained under surveillance.
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