Lecornu in Marseille: Government consolidates forces against new heatwave and wildfires in the south

Marseille – 02.07.2026: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an interministerial crisis cell on Tuesday in Marseille after several wildfires in southern France formed active fronts and Météo-France forecast a pronounced third heatwave for early July. The measure is aimed at situational assessment, resource allocation and the protection of critical infrastructure, while emergency services in the Bouches-du-Rhône and the department of Aude continue to fight the flames.

Specifically, the prefectures report fires west and north of Marseille, including in the Lançon‑Provence and Rognac areas. In the Aude the flames have consumed significant areas within 24 hours; precautionary evacuations and road closures have been ordered. Firefighting and containment efforts are being hampered by strong gusts, dryness and temperatures well above 30 °C. In the morning, agency reports put initial estimates at around a thousand hectares of affected vegetation; figures can change rapidly with the weather situation.

The crisis cell is coordinating the Interior Ministry, civil protection, health services as well as the prefectures and fire departments (SDIS) of the affected départements. Priorities include protecting residential areas, care facilities and sensitive industrial zones around the Golfe de Fos‑sur‑Mer, where several Seveso-classified sites are located. Measures include preparations for temporary operational interruptions, securing energy and water supplies and agreeing evacuation options should fire fronts shift.

Météo‑France expects temperatures to rise widely from midweek with peaks above 35 °C in parts of the south and local foehn conditions. Authorities are therefore preparing additional bans for forest and scrub areas, controls on agricultural work that poses a spark risk and guidance for particularly vulnerable population groups. Hospitals and emergency services are increasing heat- and smoke-response capacities; municipalities are checking cooling rooms and extended opening hours for public facilities.

The operational side remains a balancing act between available personnel, air assets and water access. Helicopter and Canadair operations are being prioritized where topography and wind windows allow. At the same time, reconnaissance and communication are ongoing: residents are asked to avoid access roads to forests, follow prefectural instructions and report smoke development early. Commuters and logistics companies are advised of possible closures around Marseille and on routes toward the Aude.

Politically, the situation is a test of the executive’s responsiveness ahead of the expected heat peak. The coming 48 hours are considered decisive for stabilizing fire lines and avoiding cascade risks in industrial areas. The government has promised further reinforcements; damage assessments and operational costs will follow once the fronts are secured.