Arson probes deepen as Fontainebleau fire contributes to record French wildfire season
Two suspects detained as nearly 850 firefighters battle flames near historic royal estate
French authorities have arrested two individuals on suspicion of arson following a major wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest, located approximately 60 kilometres southeast of Paris. The fire, which began on Sunday, has burned more than 1,900 hectares and remains under control. Approximately 900 residents have been evacuated, and nearly 850 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, are battling the blaze. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated the incident contributes to a likely record year for fires in France, with 32,000 hectares already burnt this year.
The scale of the disaster has prompted an unprecedented deployment of resources in the greater Paris region. Authorities have dispatched four Canadair aircraft, two Dash planes, and three water-bombing helicopters to combat the flames. Jean-Marc Sicard, the commander of rescue operations, confirmed that 187 water drops had been carried out by Monday evening, with aircraft scooping water from the River Seine to suppress the fire.
Police identified approximately 10 ignition points within a 1,000-metre perimeter, leading to the arrest of two suspects on Monday. The individuals include an 18-year-old man found with soot-covered hands and a lighter, and a 37-year-old resident. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez noted that a total of 59 people have been arrested across France for arson-related offences this year, with some identified as repeat offenders.
The blaze has caused significant disruptions to transport networks during a long holiday weekend, prompting the evacuation of nearly 900 residents from the area. The fire remains in close proximity to the Palace of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and former royal hunting estate. Nunez stated on Monday night that the fire was just a few kilometres away from the palace, underscoring the urgency of the containment efforts.
Nunez indicated that the incident contributes to a likely record year for fires in France, driven by a severe heatwave affecting Europe. An estimated 32,000 hectares has been burnt already in fires this year, surpassing the total of 2025. The interior minister stated that the Fontainebleau blaze is part of a broader pattern of wildfires exacerbated by rising temperatures and dry conditions across the country.
