Marseille-Provence Airport has reopened (Wed 9 July 2025) after wildfires caused its closure yesterday.
The British Government foreign travel advice has updated its Safety and Security message for citizens travelling to southern France, warning them that “wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica”.
French authorities reported that at least 720 firefighters and marine firefighters were deployed, including several reinforcements from other departments. More than a dozen homes were affected by the flames, and nine firefighters were injured in the firefighting operations.
The French national weather service (or meteo) has published a fire alert map for travellers and residents to check. You can visit it here:
https://meteofrance.com/meteo-des-forets
According to the Bouches-du-Rhône department (where the fire was, and which is the most high risk area for forest fires in metropolitan France), almost 90% of fires in the region are caused by humans. The department said due to climatic conditions (high heat, wind, dry vegetation and soil conditions) the vegetation is vulnerable to catching fire – “a simple cigarette butt, a spark, a barbecue, or carelessness can cause a disaster”.
Around 1900 ha/year are burnt as a result of about 250 fires. A heat wave in the past week has exacerbated conditions.
As of 22 April ’25, regulations are in place to limit access and movement in forest areas between 1 June and 30 September. “This measure aims to prevent fires from starting, to protect property and people, and to allow emergency services to intervene effectively,” says the dept.
If you see a wildfire, call the following emergency services:
- 18 (fire) or
- 112 (emergency services)
