A major wildfire that ignited on Sunday continues to burn through the historic Fontainebleau forest, located approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Paris. As the blaze persists, authorities have confirmed the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of arson. An investigation is currently underway to determine if the fire was started deliberately, as the size of the fire and the historical significance of the site have prompted authorities to dispatch considerable resources.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported on Monday night that the situation remains out of control, with the flames burning just a few kilometers from the renowned Palace of Fontainebleau. The severity of the fire has necessitated a massive emergency response. Approximately 850 firefighters are currently deployed to douse the flames, supported by a fleet of water-carrying aircraft. In a first for the greater Paris region, four Canadair aircraft were deployed alongside two water-bombing planes and three helicopters to combat the threat. On Monday, these aircraft scooped up water from the River Seine to douse the flames. By the evening, a total of 187 water drops had been carried out, according to Jean-Marc Sicard, the commander of the rescue operations.
The impact of the fire has forced the evacuation of about 900 people from their homes in and around the Fontainebleau area. Minister Nunez noted on Tuesday that the ongoing blaze is contributing to what is expected to be a record-breaking year for wildfires in France, as the country experiences its third heatwave of this summer. Statistics indicate that roughly 32,000 hectares have already been scorched this year, surpassing the total of 2025. Furthermore, the Interior Minister revealed that 59 people have been arrested across France on suspicion of starting fires, with some of those detained identified as repeat offenders.
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