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Wildfire Devastates Fontainebleau Forest Near Paris

The blaze signals growing strain on firefighting resources as investigators probe suspected arson.

Overview

  • The wildfire, which erupted on Sunday, July 12, has burned roughly 1,900 hectares and remains active with crews fighting to contain it.
  • Authorities have deployed about 850 firefighters and multiple aircraft, including four Canadair water‑bombers, Dash planes and helicopters, to attack the flames from air and ground.
  • Investigators report roughly ten separate ignition points within a 1,000‑metre perimeter and have arrested two people on suspicion of arson as inquiries continue.
  • About 1,000 residents were evacuated from villages around Fontainebleau and the blaze forced closures and disruptions on the A6 motorway and high‑speed rail links, though no deaths have been reported.
  • The fire comes during France’s third heatwave this summer and adds to a season that has already burned far more land than in 2025, increasing the risk of a record year and straining regional firefighting capacity.