Wildfires Spread in Forest South of Paris Ahead of Bastille Day

Wildfires continue to rage in the sprawling Fontainebleau forest, located about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, devouring more land overnight. Firefighters are working intensely to contain the blazes, which erupted on Sunday in the former royal hunting grounds, now a popular area for hikers and climbers dotted with villages.

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The fires have forced some 1,000 people in and around Fontainebleau to flee their homes.

A second, smaller fire ignited on Monday, and together the blazes have scorched more than 1,900 hectares, an area roughly three times the size of Gibraltar. Around 850 firefighters, supported by specialized aircraft, are engaged in battling the flames. Authorities hope to gain the upper hand during the day, according to Paul-Edouard Laurain, a spokesperson for the regional firefighters.

The fires have forced approximately 1,000 residents in and around Fontainebleau to flee their homes. This situation unfolds as France observes Bastille Day, a national holiday typically marked by fireworks, many of which have been canceled nationwide due to the ongoing heatwave. The region is experiencing its third heatwave in as many months.

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With some 850 firefighters battling the flames with the help of specialised aircraft, authorities are hoping to gain the upper hand on the flames during the day.

Authorities are investigating the possibility that the fires were started deliberately, and two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. The scale of the incident necessitated the deployment of four Canadair aircraft, an unprecedented move for the greater Paris region, along with other specialized planes and helicopters. Commander Jean-Marc Sicard reported that 187 water drops were carried out on Monday evening.

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A total of 187 water drops were carried out yesterday evening.