Seventh suspect arrested over Fontainebleau forest fires

Authorities have arrested a seventh suspect in connection with the devastating fires that have ravaged the historic Fontainebleau forest southeast of Paris. The 46-year-old man was apprehended late Tuesday near a restricted area, reportedly found with crumpled newspapers and a lighter in his vehicle, leading to his detention on suspicion of attempted arson.

This latest arrest brings the total number of individuals taken into custody to seven as investigators probe the origins of the multi-focal blaze that ignited Sunday afternoon. Among those detained are a volunteer firefighter who admitted to starting a fire with a lighter and gasoline, and a young man who confessed to accidentally starting a blaze by discarding a lit cigarette. Neither had prior criminal records.

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The suspect was arrested around 8:50 PM (6:50 PM GMT) in a parking lot closed to the public, after crossing the security tape restricting access to the area.

Firefighters are still working to fully contain the flames, which have already consumed approximately 2,000 hectares of the ecologically significant forest. While the main fire fronts were declared under control Tuesday, the risk of reignition remains high. Officials warn that extinguishing efforts could extend for several more weeks, particularly due to the presence of peat in some areas, which can fuel persistent underground 'zombie fires'.

Efforts to combat the fires have been bolstered by improved weather conditions, including lower temperatures and reduced wind intensity. Over 800 firefighters, supported by aerial resources like Canadair water-bombing planes and helicopters, are actively engaged in the operation. The A6 highway, a major route connecting Paris and Lyon, remains closed as a precautionary measure.

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firefighting tasks could continue for several days, even weeks, due to the risk of reactivation.