A fast-moving wildfire continued to spread in southern France on Tuesday and reached “the gates of” Marseille, the mayor warned, prompting the closure of the city’s airport and an order to residents to stay indoors.
The fire near France's second most populous city has burned through 700 hectares (1,730 acres) and is considered to be under control, even though it is still burning, regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc said, but a forecast of strong winds meant there was a risk it could advance further.
About 10 buildings have been at least partly hit by the fire, but no fatalities have been reported, and hundreds of homes have been saved by firefighters, he said.
Marseille mayor Benoit Payan has warned people in the 16th arrondissement of the city to "remain confined" as the blaze approaches.
The blaze, fanned by winds of up to 70km (43 miles) per hour, could be smelled in the centre of Marseille as thick clouds of smoke hovered over the city on the Mediterranean coast.
"It’s very striking - apocalyptic even," said Monique Baillard, a resident of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, the town north of Marseille where officials said the fire started on a highway.
As the fire was spreading, residents received alerts on their phones telling them to stay at home and put damp cloths on any openings.
Residents were told not to evacuate unless ordered to, so that roads could be left clear for rescue services.
"At this stage, populations must remain confined to residential areas," the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur prefecture posted on X.
"Close shutters and doors, keep your property clear for emergency services, and do not travel on the roads."
Le feu a Marseille commence à prendre une tournure de fin de monde là. pic.twitter.com/iS2cjaDzOS
— Unknow (@nom64448973344) July 8, 2025
The high winds prompted evacuations in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, BFM TV reported, citing interviews with locals in the town. The winds could be seen buffeting trees and the on-air reporters.
The spokesperson for Marseille airport said planes had not been taking off or landing since around midday and some flights had been diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports.
Trains have also been affected, with Zou! rail service suspending its services in both directions between Marseille and Miramas.
The disruption comes just as the French summer vacation period begins.
"The fire is spreading," the Marseille municipality said on X. "Avoid all outdoor activities and do not block emergency access routes. Follow instructions and alert messages."
Interior minister Bruno Retailleau said the fire around Marseille could be contained overnight if the gale-force winds fanning the flames weaken, as expected.
Local media reported that the cause appeared to have been a vehicle that caught fire on the A552 motorway.
"This fire started when a car caught fire on the side of the motorway," according to Martine Vassal, president of the Aix-Marseille-Provence area.
"Given the strength of the wind, it jumped the highway and from then on, it was very difficult to control."
Mr Vassal insisted it was "too early to say" if the fire was caused by arson or an accident, but added that an investigation has been opened.
Meanwhile, a wildfire that started near Narbonne, in southwestern France, was also still active on Monday. Some 2,000 hectares have been burnt there, the local prefecture said.
France warning not to ignore Iran travel advice following teenager’s disappearance
Poll of the day: Should airline baggage rules be standardised?
Travel chaos as 70,000 Ryanair passengers hit by French air traffic control strikes
Virgin Atlantic: 5-year plan includes Starlink wifi and more posh seats
Iconic Superman filming locations across Cleveland revealed
Greece closes top tourist attraction as heatwave scorches country
