Fire burns nearly 1,000 hectares in Fontainebleau forest near Paris

A wildfire erupted on Monday in the historic Fontainebleau forest, a popular recreation area located south of Paris, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents and visitors and causing interruptions to both train services and highway traffic. Firefighters reported that the blaze has consumed nearly five percent of the forest’s 25,000 hectares, and investigators are treating the incident as a possible case of arson. The rapid spread of the fire has been attributed to the region’s ongoing heatwave, the third of the summer, which has left vegetation tinder‑dry and temperatures unusually high.

Authorities continue to battle the flames while coordinating evacuation efforts and restoring transport links. The incident underscores the heightened fire risk associated with the current climatic conditions across France, as emergency services remain on alert for further incidents in the heat‑stricken landscape.