Wildfire in France shuts down Marseille airport, halts trains
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Several forest fires have raged in recent days in southern France, fanning out at speed due to wind and parched vegetation after a heatwave, including Tuesday's just north of France's second-largest city, Marseille.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, during a Tuesday evening visit to firefighters in the region, said the fire could be contained overnight if winds weaken, as expected.
Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the intensity, length and frequency of extreme heat that fuels forest fires.
Smoke rising over Marseille. Photo: Reuters
The fire started in a vehicle in the area of Pennes-Mirabeau to the north of Marseille, on the road to the airport, roaring across 700 hectares (1,730 acres) by the evening, firefighters said.
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