Major Wildfire Erupts in Fontainebleau Forest Near Paris

A fierce wildfire erupted in the Forest of Fontainebleau, approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, on the afternoon of July 12, 2026, triggering a substantial emergency response. Fire officials described the blaze as "exceptionally fierce."

In a notable development, two firefighting planes were dispatched from southern France to aid in the containment efforts. According to Lieutenant Colonel Éric Brocard, spokesperson for the National Federation of French Firefighters, this marks the first time such aircraft have been deployed in the Paris region to combat a forest fire. Two firefighting helicopters were also mobilized to support the operation.

The fire, which spread towards the commune of Noisy-sur-École, has already destroyed dozens of hectares of forest. The intensity of the fire led to the formation of a pyrocumulus cloud, a phenomenon indicating extremely high heat generated by the flames.

This significant fire has caused considerable disruption to transportation. The A6 highway, a major route connecting Paris with Lyon and southeastern France, was closed. High-speed train services on the same route also experienced delays, as announced by Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. The situation highlights the growing threat of wildfires, even in areas not typically associated with such events.

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It is the first time that firefighting aircraft have been deployed in the Paris region to deal with a forest fire.