A significant fire that began on Tuesday morning on the highway near Marseille is rapidly spreading to the northern areas of France's second-largest city due to strong winds.

Train services in Marseille have been halted, and the airport is closed, with one hospital switching to backup power, reports Le Figaro.

"Conditions on the ground are extremely unfavorable - dryness and very low humidity, with wind gusts expected to reach 85 km/h that won’t ease until morning," rescue services report.

During a briefing, the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, Georges-François Leclerc, indicated that the fire, with videos circulating on social media, has engulfed the Marseille metropolitan area and has already burned 700 hectares.

"Over 700 firefighters, 9 air units, including 5 firefighting planes and 4 'Canadairs', are involved in the firefighting efforts," he clarified.

The prefect also mentioned that nine firefighters have been injured, one of whom was evacuated. More than ten residential buildings have suffered damage.

The city hall is setting up three gymnasiums with beds and food for residents in case of need. However, no evacuation is currently planned.

"To prevent smoke from entering your homes, close shutters, doors, and seal gaps with damp cloths. Keep access to your home clear for emergency services and avoid traveling on the roads," the prefecture of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region recommends on its X page.

Train services have also been interrupted due to the fire near the tracks, and Marseille Provence Airport, located a few kilometers from the epicenter, is closed until further notice.

One of the city's largest hospitals, Hôpital Nord, has lost normal power supply due to the fire. The facility is using a generator designated for emergencies.