Wildfire in Pennes-Mirabeau, Bouches-du-Rhône province, France. (Photo: France Bleu)

More than 1,000 firefighters have been deployed, supported by water-dropping aircraft and helicopters. Some 400 tons of water have been dropped from the air to extinguish the flames.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said: "We were faced with an exceptionally fast-moving and extremely dangerous fire. Firefighting operations continued throughout the night, with reinforcements and substantial resources deployed. Without the strong mobilization of manpower, ground equipment, and aerial means, the situation would have been impossible to control. There was a real danger, as the fire not only spread rapidly but also moved through residential areas."

Marseille Airport was forced to close. Train services to and from Marseille-Saint-Charles station were disrupted, and several highways leading to the city had to be closed.

More than 450 people were evacuated, and 110 sustained minor injuries. 63 homes were affected, and 10 houses were almost completely destroyed. Several schools in the region were opened to shelter evacuees.

Another large wildfire near Castelnau-de-Guers in the Hérault region was also brought under control on Tuesday. Firefighters reported that the blaze destroyed more than 700 hectares of forest, causing significant damage to vineyards in the midst of harvest season. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the fire’s victims.