Wildfire Scorches Over 1,300 Hectares of Historic Forest Near Paris

A massive wildfire raged through the historic Forest of Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting ground south of Paris, scorching over 1,300 hectares during France's latest heatwave. The blaze, which began Sunday, spread rapidly through the UNESCO biosphere reserve, disrupting train and car travel during a busy summer holiday weekend.

Firefighters battled the flames throughout Monday, with planes and helicopters making numerous water drops. By Monday afternoon, nearly 1,200 hectares had burned, with a second fire consuming an additional 100 hectares. Approximately 1,000 people in and around Fontainebleau were evacuated. Authorities detained two suspects, including an 18-year-old with soot-stained hands and a lighter, according to a source close to the case.

“

We were ready, like everyone else, with cars packed and backpacks ready. We can only wait.

An unprecedented four "Canadair" aircraft, two "Dash" planes, and three fire helicopters were deployed to combat the fire. "The fire is still spreading," rescue operations commander Jean-Marc Sicard stated Monday evening, citing unfavorable weather conditions. Around 600 firefighters remained mobilized overnight.

“

The fire is still spreading.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 59 people were detained across France for "intentional or unintentional arson," with two specifically linked to the Fontainebleau fires. President Emmanuel Macron pledged all available resources to fight the "exceptionally large forest fire." Nunez noted that authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set, pointing to about 10 ignition points within a 1,000-meter perimeter.

France is experiencing its third heatwave in less than three months, with fires also occurring in other parts of the country. This extreme weather is increasingly linked by scientists to human-caused climate change. Local residents assisted firefighters, with farmers using tractors to tow water tanks and a nurse opening her swimming pool for access.

“

1,000 meters per perimeter, there were about 10 fire outbreaks, which suggests that it could have been deliberately set.