EN

Forest fires are raging in the south of France

Forest fires are raging in the south of France

Flames attack Marseille: fire element approaches the 16th district, airport ceases operations

Devastating forest fires have engulfed the south of France.

On Tuesday morning, the fire element came close to the 16th district of Marseille, the country's second-largest city, forcing authorities to completely close the Marseille-Provence International Airport.

It has been established that the disaster was caused by a car that caught fire near the highway. A thorough investigation of the incident is currently underway.

The highway is completely blocked, local residents are strongly advised not to leave their homes, and some of the population has already been evacuated to safe locations. Strong winds are contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. According to the latest information, the fire has already destroyed about 700 hectares of territory in the commune of Le Pen-Mirabeau in the vicinity of Marseille. Hundreds of rescuers have been deployed to fight the disaster.