Paris: French firefighters are battling a massive forest fire near the historic Fontainebleau Forest, southeast of Paris, as soaring temperatures and dry weather continue to fuel one of the region’s most significant wildfires in recent years.
Hundreds of firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters, have been deployed to contain the blaze, which has already scorched thousands of hectares of woodland. In a rare operation, Canadair firefighting aircraft have been scooping water directly from the River Seine before returning to douse the flames, highlighting the scale of the emergency.
Authorities have evacuated around 1,000 residents from nearby communities as a precaution, while several roads and forest areas have been closed. Officials said the fire remains out of control, although calmer weather conditions have provided some relief to firefighting efforts.
The wildfire has spread dangerously close to the historic Palace of Fontainebleau, prompting authorities to deploy additional emergency resources to protect the UNESCO-listed landmark. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said every available resource was being mobilized to bring the fire under control.
Investigators have detained two suspects as part of an inquiry into the possible cause of the blaze, with officials examining whether the fire may have been deliberately started. No fatalities have been reported, but authorities continue to warn residents to remain vigilant as firefighters work around the clock to contain the flames.
The wildfire comes amid an intense heatwave sweeping across much of Europe, with experts warning that prolonged drought and rising temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires across the continent.
