Volunteer firefighter arrested over deliberate forest fires in Fontainebleau forest
A volunteer firefighter has admitted his involvement in starting the fire that devastated Fontainebleau forest. Four individuals remain in police custody.
Volunteer firefighter arrested over deliberate forest fires in Fontainebleau forest
A volunteer firefighter has admitted his involvement in triggering a disaster that destroyed part of the Fontainebleau forest massif. He is among four individuals still being held by law enforcement.
Since the start of the forest fires that struck the area, security services have arrested 59 people, according to figures released by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Among the suspects currently held in provisional detention is this auxiliary firefighter who has admitted the facts he is accused of.
The flames destroyed more than 2,000 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest domain, which extends over 25,000 hectares in total. The main fire started on Saturday between the municipalities of Vaudoué and Noisy-sur-École, whilst a second fire developed on Monday afternoon in immediate proximity to the town of Fontainebleau.
The vegetation composed largely of conifers, weakened by summer drought and sandy soil that retains moisture poorly, facilitated the rapid spread of the flames. Nearly 850 firefighters were mobilised, supported by 200 ground vehicles, four Canadair planes, two Dash aircraft and three water-bombing helicopters.
On Tuesday late afternoon, the easing of the wind enabled firefighting teams to progress in their work. The prefect announced in early evening that the fire was contained, although it was not yet fully extinguished. The peatlands present in the area can in fact retain embers beneath the surface even after the apparent extinction of the flames.
Source: franceinfo
Source: France Info