Two wildfires burn over 1,300 hectares of forest near Paris; arson suspected

France is battling two significant wildfires that have scorched over 1,300 hectares of forestland south of the capital, Paris. The blazes, which broke out Sunday in the Forêt de Fontainebleau, have necessitated the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents from the affected areas.

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The fire has spread in the heat, causing disruptions to both train and road traffic.

Authorities have arrested two people on suspicion of arson in connection with the fires. The Forêt de Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting ground, is home to several small villages and has been particularly vulnerable due to an unusual heatwave gripping the northern part of the country. The fires have spread rapidly in the hot conditions, causing significant disruptions to both train and road traffic.

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The fire had spread to an area of almost 1200 hectares.

As of Monday afternoon, the first fire had consumed nearly 1,200 hectares, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. A second, smaller fire of about 100 hectares ignited later that day. Firefighters and aerial support teams have been working to contain the flames, but the extent of the damage highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and potential human activity.

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A second fire broke out Monday afternoon with an extent of about 100 hectares.