French authorities probe possible arson in Fontainebleau forest fire

A large fire broke out in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris, and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that authorities are investigating the possibility that the blaze was deliberately set. The minister said the investigation is underway and that preliminary evidence suggests arson could be a factor, though no definitive conclusion has yet been reached.

The incident comes amid a third heatwave in France in less than three months, with several other wildfires reported across the country over the past week. FRANCE 24’s Elitsa Gadeva has been reporting from Fontainebleau, noting that the hot, dry conditions have intensified the spread of fires and strained local firefighting resources.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are working with fire‑fighting units to contain the blaze and determine its cause. The investigation will proceed as the country remains vigilant against the heightened wildfire risk posed by the ongoing heatwave.