A major wildfire has torn through the historic Fontainebleau forest in France, destroying more than 1,900 hectares of woodland and prompting police to arrest two people on suspicion of deliberately starting the blaze. The fire has forced road closures, restricted access to parts of the forest, and sent the surrounding town into a state of panic as hundreds of firefighters work to bring the flames under control.
The blaze has already scorched more than 1,900 hectares, roughly 4,700 acres, of woodland, making it one of the largest fires to hit the Fontainebleau forest in recent years. Police have arrested two people on suspicion of deliberately starting the fire, and investigators are continuing to examine whether the blaze was the result of arson.
Firefighters race to protect homes and habitats
Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to tackle the flames, supported by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters, as crews work to stop the fire spreading to nearby homes and protected areas of the forest. Several roads in and around Fontainebleau have been closed to the public, while access to parts of the forest itself has been restricted on safety grounds. Residents in nearby communities have been urged to remain vigilant, with some advised to stay indoors because of heavy smoke drifting across the area.
A site of major ecological and cultural significance
The Fontainebleau forest is one of France’s most visited natural sites, drawing millions of visitors each year and home to protected habitats, rare wildlife and historic sandstone rock formations. The scale of the destruction has raised particular concern given the forest’s ecological importance and its popularity as a destination.
Conditions across France remain high risk
French authorities have warned that hot temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds are combining to create ideal conditions for wildfires, with much of the country currently under a heightened wildfire alert. Officials have said the investigation into the Fontainebleau blaze remains ongoing and have appealed to the public for information about any suspicious activity near the forest before the fire broke out.
