A fast-spreading forest fire has reached the outer outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, the BBC reported, BTA reported.
"The marine fire brigade is waging a guerrilla war with hoses in hand“, said the city's mayor, Benoit Payan, referring to Marseille's fire and rescue service.
The prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Georges-François Leclerc, urged residents to stay home and said firefighters were "protecting" the city. He said that while the situation was not static, it was "under control".
Marseille Provence airport has been closed until the end of today, with airport president Julien Coffinier saying he had "never experienced a situation of this magnitude".
Residents were advised to stay at home, close their blinds and doors, and keep roads clear for emergency services. Several dozen people were evacuated from their homes, local authorities said.
The fire, which broke out early Tuesday near Pen-Mirabeau, north of Marseille, is said to have spread to about 700 hectares. Local authorities said the fire was caused by a car that caught fire on the highway and could continue to spread as strong winds are expected to blow until late tonight.