Marseille fires: Tourists airlifted from campsites as 22 injured in wildfires across southern France

Tourists have been airlifted from campsites around the Marseille region on France as firefighters fight wildfires fuelled by strong Mediterranean winds.

At least 22 people have been injured by the fires, which have destroying several businesses.

Some 1,800 firefighters, backed by planes and helicopters, battled the worst fire through the night around the town of Martigues.

They were still working today to extinguish it more than 14 hours after it broke out, according to the local fire service.

Its flames spread quickly from a wooded area towards the sea, five miles away, sweeping through residential areas and several camping sites.

Firefighters rushed to evacuate campers via land and sea as Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin travelled to the scene.

Eight civilians and 14 firefighters suffered minor injuries.

With continued winds on Wednesday morning and dry and hot weather across France, authorities have banned any controlled fires in the area or construction work involving sparks or hot equipment until the fires are extinguished.

The cause of the fires is not known.