A thick cloud of smoke visible from Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône).
A violent fire broke out this Sunday at Pennes-Mirabeau, very close to Marseille.
According to our colleagues from La Provence, the fire was accidental, starting around 4 p.m. from a broken down vehicle parked on the emergency lane along the A7 motorway, which had to be cut for reasons of security.
This is not the only road closed to traffic, since the A51 and the A557 are also concerned, all in the direction of Marseille.
🔴 [#Operations]
The #Pompiers13 are working on a #vehicle fire near the #A7 which has spread to the vegetation adjoining the @Pennes_Mirabeau.
👩 🚒 ≈ 100 firefighters
🚒 ≈ 40 gear
✈️ Air resources are on site.
⚠️ Do not overload 18/1112.
pic.twitter.com/sTM9wGifVk
– Firefighters 13 (@Firefighters_13) July 31, 2022
Several dozen firefighters, supported by around fifty firefighters from Marseille are currently actively fighting the flames.
They also have a water bomber helicopter as well as a Dash-8 civil security plane, continue our colleagues.
This fire also led to the evacuation of thousands of spectators who came to attend the last performance of the Cirque du Soleil show "Corteo", at the Arena du Pays d'Aix.
At the same time, firefighters are still fighting the flames in the Gard, not far from Montpellier.
Two braziers ignited.
One of them is currently mobilizing four Canadairs and a Dash aircraft.
Four firefighters were injured as they faced the flames.
At least 200 ha of land were ravaged.
Traffic was interrupted on the A9 motorway and the A709, in both directions at Gallargues and Lunel.
