Summary
- A massive wildfire continued to burn through the historic Fontainebleau Forest near Paris overnight, as firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading.
- The main fire, along with another nearby wildfire that broke out the same afternoon, has destroyed around 1,300 hectares (3,212 acres) of forest.
- Nunez warned that France is heading toward one of its worst wildfire seasons on record.
A massive wildfire continued to burn through the historic Fontainebleau Forest near Paris overnight, as firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading. Authorities arrested at least two people on suspicion of starting the fire.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the blaze remained uncontrolled late Monday. The main fire, along with another nearby wildfire that broke out the same afternoon, has destroyed around 1,300 hectares (3,212 acres) of forest.
Officials intensified firefighting efforts because the flames reached within a few kilometres of the historic Palace of Fontainebleau. Fire crews deployed water-bombing aircraft, helicopters and hundreds of firefighters to protect the area.
In a first for France, Canadair firefighting planes collected water from the River Seine to support operations as thick smoke covered the sky.
The wildfire also disrupted transport. Authorities closed part of the A6 motorway connecting Paris with Lyon and southern France, while several smaller fires interrupted high-speed rail services.
Around 900 residents left their homes as a precaution.
Nunez warned that France is heading toward one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. Wildfires have already burned about 32,000 hectares this year, exceeding the total area lost in 2025, as prolonged drought continues to fuel the fires.
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