A fast-moving wildfire broke out close to the southern French city of Marseille on Tuesday, forcing the city’s airport to suspend all flights.
Some 168 firefighters, two helicopters and 68 engines were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out in the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau.
Around 350 hectares (865 acres) have been hit with no reports of casualties.
Pictures online showed flames racing down the hillside as plumes of smoke could be seen falling towards the city.
The prefecture urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads.
With the fire approaching Marseille, the prefecture also advised residents in the northern area of the city to remain inside with doors and windows closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes.
Marseille Provence Airport announced that the runway had been closed at around midday on Tuesday.
Several weeks of heatwaves combined with strong winds have increased the risk of wildfires in southern France, with several breaking out over the past couple of days. (ITV)
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