French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Monday that a major fire in the Fontainebleau forest may have been started intentionally.
The blaze threatens one of France's most significant natural landmarks and comes amid a heatwave, raising concerns about environmental vulnerability and public safety in the Île-de-France region.
The fire began on the evening of Sunday, July 12, near Noisy-sur-École in the Seine-et-Marne department [1, 3]. By Monday morning, officials said the fire had burned approximately 800 hectares [2].
Nuñez visited the site on Monday morning to coordinate the emergency response [1, 3]. He was accompanied by firefighters and aviation support to manage the flames. To combat the blaze, authorities deployed two Canadair water-bombing aircraft [4].
Emergency personnel mobilization has been extensive, though reports on the exact number of responders vary. Some sources indicate 500 firefighters are on the ground [1], while others cite 400 personnel [3].
Investigation teams are currently analyzing the origin of the fire. While definitive proof has not yet been presented, the nature of the ignition suggests a deliberate act. "The fire could be of voluntary origin," Nuñez said [1, 3].
Several sectors of the forest remain closed to the public as crews work to contain the perimeter. The combination of the fire's scale and the current weather conditions has led officials to describe the event as having an exceptional magnitude [1].
“"The fire could be of voluntary origin,"”
The suspicion of arson in a high-profile ecological site during a heatwave suggests a heightened risk of targeted environmental damage. If confirmed as a criminal act, this event may lead to stricter access restrictions in French forests and an increase in surveillance during extreme weather periods to prevent further ecological loss.
