Nearly 2,000 hectares of Fontainebleau forest burned as fire remains active

A wildfire has scorched nearly 2,000 hectares of the historic Fontainebleau forest, a region prized for its ecological sensitivity. Firefighters—about 950 on the ground—have been joined by aerial support to stem the blaze, which began four days ago. While the fire has been contained, it remains active and has not yet been fully extinguished.

The forest, located just outside Paris, is a major natural landmark and a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Authorities have deployed extensive resources to protect the remaining trees and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent protected areas. The incident has prompted a review of fire prevention measures in the region, as well as an assessment of the forest’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the site to assess the damage and meet with emergency personnel. His visit underscores the national significance of the forest and the importance of safeguarding France’s natural heritage.