France News

French wildfire near Marseille blamed on military

Friday, 24 July 2009

French wildfire near Marseille blamed on military

French fire-fighters have been summoned to deal with a wildfire that has threatened homes near Marseille. It is thought that the fire was caused by a military exercise, although southern France has often experienced wildfires in the past.

Around 400 homes were potentially in the path of the blaze and a retirement home and centre for disabled people had to be evacuated.

500 fire-fighters are still at the location where the fire broke out although the situation is described as being under control now.

A leading French government official, regional prefect Michel Sappin, said the army and soldiers should have been far more careful when engaged in artillery practice.

The French army say they have suspended a Foreign Legion officer who was in charge of the operation, according to the AFP news agency.

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