A wildfire erupted near Marseille on Tuesday, leading to the shutdown of Marseille Provence airport as heavy smoke moved into nearby neighborhoods.

X user Malik filmed a striking video showing dense smoke clouds looming over homes and buildings in the suburbs as the fire edged closer to the city.

The local fire department stated that 168 firefighters had been mobilized to tackle the fire, which burned roughly 74 acres near Les Pennes-Mirabeau, located north of Marseille.

Emergency crews, including fire engines and helicopters, were deployed. Officials from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region posted on X: "At this stage, populations must remain confined to residential areas."

Residents were instructed to stay inside. “Close shutters and doors, keep your property clear for emergency services, and do not travel on the roads,” the warning added.

Powerful winds in Les Pennes-Mirabeau triggered evacuations, according to BFM TV, which reported scenes of trees swaying and reporters struggling with the gusts.

The airport spokesperson confirmed that flight operations had been suspended since midday. Some planes were rerouted to Nice, Nimes, and other regional airports. The disruption comes at the start of France’s summer travel season. No reopening time has been given.

A Marseille resident reported the smell of fire reaching the city center as smoke drifted across parts of the area.

"The fire is spreading," the Marseille city office said on X. "Avoid all outdoor activities and do not block emergency access routes. Follow instructions and alert messages."

Elsewhere, a wildfire that began Monday near Narbonne in southwestern France was still burning. With wind speeds at 60 kilometers per hour, 2,000 hectares had been destroyed, the local prefecture reported.