Forest fire in Fontainebleau: two suspects arrested on suspicion of arson
A fire that began on Sunday in the Fontainebleau forest, south of Paris, spread during the night. Firefighters are battling the flames that have already ravaged more than 1,900 hectares. Two suspects were arrested on Monday as part of an investigation into arson.
Forest fire in Fontainebleau: two suspects arrested on suspicion of arson
A forest fire broke out on Sunday in the Fontainebleau forest, located around sixty kilometres south-east of Paris. The flames spread over the course of the night, prompting authorities to evacuate approximately one thousand people from the surrounding wooded area.
According to the French news agency AFP, firefighters deployed 850 personnel on the ground, assisted by aircraft and water-bombing helicopters. For the first time in the Paris region, four Canadairs are taking part in the fire-fighting operations. Paul-Edouard Laurain, the spokesman for the regional fire services, indicated that authorities hoped to regain control of the situation during the course of the day.
The extent of the damage is considerable: more than 1,900 hectares have already been consumed by the flames. The Fontainebleau forest covers approximately 25,000 hectares and constitutes a historic site, formerly used as a royal hunting estate, today very popular with hikers and climbers.
The origin of the fire is considered suspicious. As the fire began in several locations, an investigation into arson has been opened. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced on Monday the arrest of two suspects. He stated to television channel France2 that these arrests formed part of a total of 59 arrests carried out across the country for "arson or accidental fire-setting". These measures were taken as France faces a heat wave favouring the spread of forest fires.
Due to climatic conditions and drought, the risk of fire is high in almost all parts of the country. Several municipalities have cancelled the fireworks traditionally organised on the occasion of the national holiday of 14 July, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
Source: Dnevnik
Source: Google News SI — Crime (sl)