Wildfires in southern France lead to closure of Marseille Airport | DW News

Marseilles Wildfire Summary

Key Concepts: Wildfire, Marseilles, Air Quality, Evacuation, Mistral Wind, Airport Closure, Transportation Disruptions, Material Damage.

Wildfire Impact and Extent

• A wildfire reached Marseilles, France, causing injuries and property damage.
• Injuries: Over 100 people injured.
• Property Damage: 70 houses affected, 10 destroyed.
• Evacuations: 450 people evacuated.
• The fire was reportedly started by a car that caught fire.
• The fire spread from the outskirts into the northern neighborhoods of the city.
• Marseilles is a large, spread-out city, approximately 2.5 times the size of Paris, which contributed to the fire's potential impact.

Air Quality and Smoke

• The fire significantly decreased air quality in Marseilles.
• Plumes of smoke blanketed parts of the city.
• Smoke was visible from space, extending 100 kilometers into the Mediterranean Sea, according to the French weather service.

Wind Factor: The Mistral

• The Mistral, a northwesterly wind blowing through the Rhone Valley, exacerbated the fire's spread.
• The wind carried smoke across the city, increasing alarm and impacting air quality.
• The dense vegetation combined with the wind caused the fire to move very quickly.

Transportation Disruptions

• Airport: The Marseilles airport was closed on Tuesday due to the fire. It reopened at 9:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, but authorities advised vigilance regarding potential further closures.
• TGV: There were interruptions to the TGV high-speed train service connecting Paris to Marseilles.
• Local transportation to some parts of the region has been re-established.

Current Status and Concerns

• As of Wednesday morning, authorities stated that the fire appeared to be relatively under control.
• No fatalities have been announced.
• Authorities are expected to release more information about material damages later in the day.
• Despite the fire being under control, air quality remains a concern.

Notable Quotes

• "The fire appears to be under control" - Mayor of Marseilles (implied).
• "...the dense vegetation the wind was making it move very quickly and people were very concerned that it was actually going to going to come further." - Cole Stangler, Independent Journalist in Marseilles.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The wildfire in Marseilles caused significant disruption and concern due to its proximity to the city, the impact of the Mistral wind, and the resulting air quality issues. While the fire is reportedly under control, the aftermath includes property damage, transportation disruptions, and ongoing air quality concerns. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further information regarding the extent of the damage is expected.