Fontainebleau fire: criminal lead being pursued
A massive fire is devastating the Fontainebleau forest massif. Investigators are focusing on the hypothesis of a deliberate act, with around ten fire outbreaks in close proximity.
Fontainebleau fire: criminal lead being pursued
Flames are currently ravaging the Fontainebleau forest massif. While firefighters battle the blaze, investigators are examining the possibility of a deliberate act.
Local authorities have recorded approximately ten fire outbreaks concentrated over a distance of less than one kilometre. This abnormal concentration strengthens the hypothesis of a malicious origin. The prefect of Seine-et-Marne indicated that investigations point towards one or several individuals having deliberately set the fire.
Experts from the IRCGN were called to the scene to examine the charred areas. Their objective is to identify any potential combustion accelerants that may have been used to ignite or spread the fire.
A gendarmerie officer specialising in fire investigations detailed the investigative method: samples taken from burnt soil are subjected to chemical analysis in order to identify any potential flammable substances. A device separates the constituents of the mixture, producing a distinctive fingerprint. In previous cases, these examinations have made it possible to establish the use of petrol.
Conclusions can be communicated to the investigators in charge of the case in less than one day. At the same time, the Interior Minister reported two arrests.
Those evacuated from threatened areas are struggling to understand this ecological disaster. A hiking professional, observing the extent of the damage, stated: "You have to be deeply disturbed to commit such an act."
Source: France Info
Source: France Info