Marseille: A fast-moving wildfire has reached the outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, causing injuries to over 100 individuals and burning through approximately 700 hectares of land. The blaze originated near Pennes-Mirabeau, north of the city, and quickly spread towards the urban area.

According to Emirates News Agency, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that around 800 firefighters were deployed to combat the fire, with water-bombing aircraft playing a crucial role in averting a major disaster. Approximately 400 tonnes of water were used to suppress the flames.

While no fatalities have been reported, 110 people sustained minor injuries, including 31 firefighters and police officers. Minister Retailleau also revealed that 63 residential buildings suffered damage, with 10 being completely destroyed.

Evacuation efforts saw roughly 400 residents, including 71 individuals from a local retirement home, moved to safety. Firefighting operations were expected to persist throughout the night to control the blaze.

The wildfire began when a car caught fire on a motorway near Marseille, with the flames quickly spreading to the surrounding countryside. Wind conditions exacerbated the situation, pushing the fire towards the city.

Marseille's airport, which had been closed for several hours due to the fire, resumed operations in the evening. However, SNCF, France's national rail operator, indicated that disruptions would likely continue into Wednesday, following the suspension of long-distance train services to Marseille and the closure of the city's main station, Saint-Charles.