Two suspects charged over Fontainebleau forest fires
A volunteer firefighter and a student, both aged 18, have been remanded in custody after being brought before a judge for wilful fires in the Fontainebleau forest massif in Seine-et-Marne.
Two suspects charged over Fontainebleau forest fires
A volunteer firefighter and an 18-year-old student were presented to the courts on Wednesday 15 July 2026 as part of the investigation into the fires that devastated Fontainebleau forest. The examining magistrate has notified them of charges for wilful destruction by fire.
The firefighter denies the facts alleged against him. His co-accused, however, has admitted to starting a fire. The two young men do not know each other. The courts believe they started fires in two separate locations: in Arbonne-la-Forêt and in Fontainebleau, in Seine-et-Marne department.
The prosecution requested their remand in custody. If found guilty, they face a sentence of up to fifteen years' imprisonment. Their incarceration has been ordered.
The young firefighter, who had been serving with the Seine-et-Marne fire service for less than a year, has been suspended. He is no longer able to carry out his duties as a volunteer.
The exact origin of the main fire remains uncertain. Two workers who were carrying out work on the edge of the A6 motorway remain in police custody. Investigators are not ruling out either the accident theory or that of a criminal act.
Furthermore, a 46-year-old motorist was arrested Tuesday evening near the forest massif. In his vehicle, law enforcement discovered a lighter and crumpled newspapers. He is suspected of attempted destruction by fire.
Since the start of summer, approximately sixty individuals have been arrested across the country for starting fires.
Source: France Info