Raging wildfires in southern Paris have destroyed extensive areas of Fontainebleau Forest overnight, prompting the arrest of two individuals suspected of igniting the blaze near France’s iconic royal palace.
The fire erupted on Sunday in Fontainebleau Forest, located approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of the capital.
Firefighters reported a second, smaller blaze the following day, with combined efforts now containing over 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres) of charred land—an area three times larger than Gibraltar.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the fire remains uncontainable, stating it was just kilometers from the Palace of Fontainebleau during a Monday night update.
Firefighters battle Fontainebleau fire
Approximately 900 residents near Fontainebleau have been evacuated from their residences.
Investigators are assessing whether the fires were deliberately set.
The incident’s scale and historical importance have led authorities to mobilize substantial resources.
Over 850 firefighters are engaged in combating the flames, supported by four Canadair aircraft, two water-dropping planes, and three helicopters.
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For the first time in the Paris region, four Canadair planes joined two water-bombing aircraft and three helicopters in operations.
On Monday, these planes collected water from the Seine River to extinguish the flames.
By evening, a total of 187 water drops had been executed, as reported by rescue operation commander Jean-Marc Sicard.
France sees fires as heatwave scorches Europe
Minister Nunez noted the Fontainebleau blaze contributes to what may be a record fire year in France, amid Europe’s third summer heatwave.
Fires have burned approximately 32,000 hectares this year—exceeding totals from 2025.
Nunez added that 59 individuals have been arrested nationally on fire-starting suspicions, including repeat offenders.
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