Two suspects arrested for arson in Fontainebleau Forest
French authorities have arrested at least two people suspected of starting the fires that ravaged more than 1,900 hectares of the historic Fontainebleau Forest near Paris.
Two suspects arrested for arson in Fontainebleau Forest
A massive fire consumed more than 1,900 hectares of Fontainebleau Forest, located some sixty kilometres south-east of Paris, prompting the evacuation of approximately 900 residents. The flames broke out on Sunday and spread rapidly, threatening the famous neighbouring royal palace.
Emergency services mobilised nearly 850 firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters. For the first time in the Paris region, four Canadair planes were deployed alongside two other aircraft and three helicopters. On Monday evening, the aircraft drew water from the Seine to combat the flames. In total, 187 drops were carried out, according to rescue operations commander Jean-Marc Sicard.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez indicated on Tuesday evening that the fire was not yet under control and was located only a few kilometres from Fontainebleau Palace. He also stated that 59 people had been detained across the country on suspicion of arson, some of them repeat offenders.
An ongoing investigation aims to determine whether the Fontainebleau fires were deliberately set. At least two suspects have been placed in police custody in connection with this matter.
Nunez emphasised that 2026 is shaping up to be a record year for forest fires in France, with 32,000 hectares already burnt, exceeding the total for 2025. This situation occurs within the context of a third summer heat wave in Europe.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Google News MT