Six in custody over Fontainebleau forest fires, including firefighter who confessed

An investigation into the devastating fires that have engulfed the Fontainebleau forest has led to the detention of six individuals, including a volunteer firefighter who has confessed to his role in the blazes. The prosecutor's office in Fontainebleau announced that the firefighter admitted to igniting dry brush with a lighter and gasoline.

Adding to the complexity of the case, a second suspect has also admitted to accidentally starting a fire by discarding a cigarette. Both men, born in 2007 and with no prior criminal records, are suspected of separate fire ignitions that occurred on Monday. The prosecutor's office stated that no link has been established between these two individuals, and their detention has been extended.

Two other men, one born in 1975 and with no known criminal history, and another born in 2005 who has prior offenses for traffic violations, are also in custody. They are suspected in connection with a fire that began Monday afternoon and had already consumed 450 hectares by Tuesday midday. Furthermore, two individuals were detained Tuesday morning for a fire that started Sunday near the A6 highway, causing a section of the road to close and burning approximately 1,600 hectares over 48 hours.

The fires have collectively burned slightly over 2,000 hectares of the forest. While the investigation is exploring all possibilities, including accidental causes, the possibility of intentional acts remains a significant focus. The prosecutor's office is conducting thorough checks into a potential link between the fire near the A6 and nearby construction work.