TEHRAN, July 9 (MNA) – A swiftly moved wildfire reached the outskirts of Marseille, France’s second largest city on Tuesday, and was told to close all openings to stay indoors and be safe from smoke.
Hundreds of firefighters fought a fast-moving wildfire that arrived on the outskirts of Marseille in southern France on Tuesday, forcing people to close indoors and nearby airports.
Aided by firefighters helicopters and aircraft, the firefighters had kept the flames down by the evening, officials said, but the forecast of strong winds meant that they might go further towards France’s second most populous city.
Fires incited by winds up to 70 kph (43 mph) can blend into the heart of Marseille as clouds of smoke are floating around the city’s mediterranean coast.
“It’s very impressive – it’s apocalyptic,” said Monique Byrade, a resident of Les Pens Mirabeau, a town north of Marseille, that officials said a fire had begun on the highway.
Regional Secretary Georges François said the fire burned 700 hectares (1,730 acres) and was thought to be under control, despite it still burning.
Around 20 buildings have been hit by fires, at least in part, but no deaths have been reported, and hundreds of homes have been saved by firefighters, he said. Over 700 firefighters were fighting the flames, assisted by firefighters helicopters and aircraft.
In recent years, it has become more destructive in the Mediterranean countries, and wildfires caused by climate change have also been raging in northeastern Spain.
Last week there were also fires in Crete and Athens, Greece.
As the fire spread, Marseille residents received official alerts on their mobile phones and told them to stay home and place a damp cloth in the opening.
“It’s a fight, as we speak,” Payan said.
“We’re waiting to see what happens overnight, because that’s important too. Everything is strategic. Wind speed, humidity, dusk – all the factors are important. Once again, it’s very complicated and the work is very difficult.”
rhm/