Marseille, France - July 08, 2025 A fast-moving wildfire broke out near Marseille on Tuesday, forcing the closure of Marseille Provence airport as thick smoke spread across nearby residential areas. X user Malik captured dramatic footage showing a towering smoke cloud engulfing houses and buildings in the suburbs of Marseille, as the fire rapidly approached the city. According to the local fire service, 168 firefighters were dispatched to battle the blaze, which has scorched approximately 74 acres near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, just north of Marseille. Fire trucks and helicopters were deployed to contain the flames. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur prefecture posted on X: "At this stage, populations must remain confined to residential areas." Authorities urged residents to stay indoors. "Close shutters and doors, keep your property clear for emergency services, and do not travel on the roads," the prefecture warned. High winds in Les Pennes-Mirabeau triggered evacuations, BFM TV reported, with gusts visibly shaking trees and affecting reporters on scene. A spokesperson for Marseille airport confirmed that all flights had been suspended since around midday. Aircraft were diverted to Nice, Nimes, and other nearby airports. The suspension coincides with the start of the French summer holiday season. The airport's reopening time remains unknown. A local resident reported that the smell of smoke reached the center of Marseille, with parts of the city shrouded in haze. "The fire is spreading," the Marseille municipality stated on X. "Avoid all outdoor activities and do not block emergency access routes. Follow instructions and alert messages." Meanwhile, another wildfire that began on Monday near Narbonne in southwestern France remained active. Driven by winds of 60 kilometers per hour, the fire has burned 2,000 hectares, the local prefecture confirmed.