A major wildfire broke out on July 8, 2025, near the highway at Les Pennes-Mirabeau in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, rapidly advancing towards Marseille. The fire expanded to the Pelouque area in Marseille's 16th arrondissement, ravaging several dozen hectares. By mid-July, the blaze had grown significantly, with reports indicating 154 hectares burned in the Bouches-du-Rhône and 200 hectares affected near Martigues, northwest of Marseille. Approximately 1,000 firefighters were mobilized to combat the fire, supported by aerial firefighting efforts including 138 water drops by Canadair planes. Authorities evacuated 70 people and protected around 150 homes threatened by the flames. Despite the fire not being fully contained as of July 18, it was reported as contained within its perimeter. Additional wildfires were also active in the Ardèche region, where 25 to 80 hectares burned with 80 firefighters engaged. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the firefighters and called for caution to facilitate emergency response. The situation has involved numerous police and firefighter injuries, with 26 police officers and 28 firefighters reported hurt. Local officials and public figures have urged increased resources for firefighting services amid these ongoing challenges.