• Wildfire has forced the closure of Marseille Provence airport and suspended train services.
• Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has affected up to 750 hectares.
• No fatalities reported, but at least nine injuries among firefighters have occurred.
• Climate change is believed to be intensifying wildfire risks in France.

A fast-moving wildfire near Marseille has led to the closure of Marseille Provence airport and significant disruptions to train services as it spreads due to high winds and parched vegetation. The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday, July 8, has affected approximately 750 hectares and has prompted mass evacuations in the surrounding areas according to Le Monde and Reuters.

The prefecture has warned residents to stay indoors to avoid smoke inhalation as firefighting efforts continue. As of Wednesday, around 700 firefighters are on duty to contain the flames, with helicopters dropping water onto affected areas. Two housing estates have been evacuated, while the Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan emphasized the need for caution among residents as the fire's intensity has been described as "virulent" according to Reuters and SCMP.

Despite the fierce conditions, no fatalities have been reported; however, injuries to firefighters have included nine who were hurt during operations. Local authorities have emphasized that the fire remains active but is under control, allowing some restrictions to be lifted in the 16th arrondissement of Marseille. The climate crisis has been cited as a factor contributing to the worsening of fire conditions in the region, according to TRT Global and Le Monde.

As the wildfire threatens urban areas, the airport has announced plans to reopen partially in the evening but could close again based on firefighting needs, adding to the turmoil of the summer travel season. The wider impact on train services remains significant, with many trains cancelled as rescue operations progress, reports Africanews and Reuters.