French Forest Fire Forces Evacuation

Gale-force winds Saturday fanned forest fires north of Marseille, reviving flames that forced 1,000 people from their homes a day earlier but had largely been brought under control overnight.

Afternoon winds of 90 mph helped spread the fire that burned 5,000 acres of mostly pine trees and scrub brush.

Firefighters used water-carrying planes and helicopters to battle the fire and hoped that forecasts for calmer weather would help.

Firefighters evacuated 1000 people from the Plan-de-Cuque and Allauch communities on the northeastern perimeter of this Mediterranean port city.

Dozens also were moved from their homes in the suburb of Logis Neus.

“I left when I saw the flames reach the edge of the garden,” Elise Fournier said. “I only had time to take my identity papers and my dog.”

The fire started in a garbage dump in the Septemes-les-Vallons forest, officials said.