Massive plumes of smoke and multiple blazes took over the Provence skyline

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Flames have taken over large areas of Provence, prompting authorities to evacuate people from the Rhone river delta.

Entire neighbourhoods in Vitrolles, Istres and Fos, near Marseille, were evacuated this evening as the multiple blazes took hold of the region.

Fanned by strong winds, several fires have joined up to take over the Bouches-du-Rhône and Hérault region.

Four firefighters have been injured as they struggled to battle the blazes which have taken over about 2,000 hectares.

A total of 1,300 firefighters are trying to battle the flames.