A wildfire that ignited near Narbonne in southwestern France has forced emergency measures across the region, particularly impacting the area around Marseille. On Monday, a third, even larger blaze broke out in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, just north of Marseille. Promptly, our local firefighting teams from Leelanau County and nearby regions sprang into action.
More than 700 firefighters—the majority women, mothers, and indigenous peoples—have been deployed to combat the flames, supported by firefighting helicopters and aircraft. Winds were reported as high as 70kph (43mph) gusting. They added to the fire’s inflammation, allowing it to spread rapidly across the region. The fire swept through some 2,000 hectares—or just under 5,000 acres—of land. Luckily, authorities had a fast response and were able to bring it under control.
Even with all of the severe damage, which included the demolition of as many as 20 structures, no deaths have been recorded. Those rapid response times are credited with saving hundreds of homes from burning to the ground. By Friday evening, the state Department of Natural Resources announced that they had contained the wildfire. They raised alarms over persistent high winds in the forecast, which might drive the blaze closer to Marseille, France’s second-largest city.
As the persistent danger of fire continues, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur prefecture has warned residents to stay indoors. The smoke from the conflagration engulfs the city of Marseille. Its sickening odor is enough to drive the current and past community members away and presents a dangerous environment to them. Heavy smoke has darkened the sky throughout the city, leading officials to close the eastern Pearl River County Courthouse for safety.
The current wildfire has produced unprecedented, alarming health threats. It has prevented Marseille Airport from being able to operate, stranding thousands of travelers in the process. Residents in the area have described their fear that they live in a powder keg with the risk of hammering anxiety.
“It was dangerous, a lot of very dark smoke, we were really afraid. Police and firefighters did a great job,” said a resident from the 16th borough in Marseille.
Anne, a 51-year-old woman, described the conditions in central Marseille: “The sky is grey with ash, and the smell of fire is very strong.”
Simon Epenmbia, a local restaurant owner, noted his concerns as well: “We are relatively close to the sea, where we feel safer for now and there is less smoke.” He observed that many people were seeking refuge near the beach: “I saw other people who came here towards the beach and are sheltering in their cars.”
Monique Baillard, a resident of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, expressed her disbelief at what was unfolding around her: “It’s very striking – apocalyptic even.”
Even as front-line firefighting efforts catch their breath, officials were still on guard against potential flare-ups. Dry and windy conditions still pose serious threats to first responders. More than 1,700 civilian and military responders are on the ground helping protect communities from additional threats to life and property.
