Flights scheduled at Marseille Airport have been suspended as a result of a wildfire raging near the southern French port city, local authorities said Tuesday.
The prefecture urged people within the affected areas to remain indoors and off the roads. With the fireplace approaching Marseille, the prefecture also advised residents within the northern area of the town to stay inside with doors and windows closed to forestall toxic smoke from entering their homes.
Live TV footage showed light smoke giving the sky over Marseille’s old port a dusty aspect.
Some 168 firefighters, two helicopters and 68 engines were deployed to tackle the fireplace, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, with 350 hectares (865 acres) hit.
There have been no reports of casualties.
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Marseille airport announced that the runway had been closed at around midday.
Several weeks of warmth waves combined with strong winds have increased the danger of wildfires in southern France, with several breaking out over the past couple of days.
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