Over 100 injured in Marseille wildfires in France; containment efforts underway

A wildfire broke out near Pennes-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, France, on Tuesday after a car caught fire on a motorway, according to reports.

Footage from the area showed large plumes of smoke rising above the city as flames spread across the hilly terrain to its north.

French firefighters are continuing efforts to control the blaze, which has reached the outskirts of Marseille and left more than 100 people injured.

On Wednesday morning, Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan told local media that while the intensity of the fire had decreased, it was not yet fully under control.

Restrictions imposed on the outskirts of Marseille were lifted following a significant decline in the spread of the fire, the mayor announced on X.

The mayor taking to his social media on X said that “The significant decline of the fire that reached Northern Marseille allows us to announce this morning the lifting of confinement in the 16th arrondissement.”

He also urged residents to stay indoors, saying, “I urge all Marseillais to exercise the utmost caution in the area, as emergency services are at work.”

According to the Interior Ministry, 110 people have sustained minor injuries, including nine firefighters and 22 police officers, since the fire began on Tuesday.

French media reported that at least 400 residents have been evacuated as a precaution.