Published: 3 Aug, 2023 CET.Updated: Fri 4 Aug 2023 08:43 CET
A fire-fighting aircraft takes part in training exercises. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP)
The area around France's second largest city, Marseille, has been listed on the highest warning level for possible wildfires - both for Friday and Saturday - by French weather service, Météo France.
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The Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France, which contains the city of Marseille, was placed on 'very high' (red) alert for forest fires on Friday. The alert has now been extended to Saturday as well.
France's national weather service, Météo France, listed the area as red on its wildfire forecasting map, which provides updated predictions daily.
On Friday, the Vaucluse, Hérault, and Var départements were on "orange" (high) alert, with Bouches-du-Rhône on red.
Météo France predictions for Friday, August 4th
Météo France explained that windy conditions on Friday "make the risk of forest and vegetation fires starting and spreading very high compared to normal summer levels".
As for Saturday, the situation will remain the same, except for the Hérault département, which will move down to the 'moderate' risk level (yellow), and the Gard département which will increase to 'orange' level.
This marks the second time this season where Météo France has placed the Bouches-du-Rhône département on red alert for fires.
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Will the alert lead to park and forest closures?
As such, several forest areas (massifs) have been closed to the public on the region, including the Rougadou, Alpilles, Chambremont, Castillon, Sulauze, Arbois and Côte Bleue Massifs.
— Préfet de la région PACA et des Bouches-du-Rhône (@Prefet13) August 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Le Parisien reported that an additional six forest areas in the Var département and in the Rhône valley were expected to close to the public as well.
You can keep up to date with forest and hiking area closures by visiting the préfecture website for that département.
As of Friday morning, the popular tourist attraction, the Calanques cliffs near Marseille, closed as well, according to the park's website which provides daily updates.
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Météo France predictions for Friday, August 4th
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