Wildfires Fuel Chaos in Southern France, Prompting Evacuations and Travel Disruptions

A rapid-moving wildfire in southern France, driven by strong winds, closed Marseille Provence airport. Around 168 firefighters battled the 30-hectare blaze near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, with evacuations underway. The smoke reached central Marseille, while another wildfire in Narbonne continued to burn across 2,000 hectares.

A fast-moving wildfire in France's south has forced the closure of Marseille Provence airport, disrupting travel as summer vacation begins, according to airport officials.

Firefighters numbering 168 were deployed to combat a 30-hectare blaze near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille. The area's prefecture advised residents to stay confined indoors as winds reached speeds of 70 kilometers per hour.

Evacuations were carried out in response to high winds, while flights were rerouted to regional airports. Meanwhile, another wildfire near Narbonne continued to spread, having scorched 2,000 hectares since Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)