Fontainebleau, July 15 – Two significant forest fires that have been burning in the Fontainebleau forest, located in the Seine-et-Marne department near Paris, since Sunday afternoon, are now “fixed” but not yet “extinguished,” according to the prefecture. The fires have collectively consumed an estimated 2,050 hectares, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an ongoing criminal investigation.
Extensive Damage and Ongoing Containment Efforts
The first fire, which ignited on Sunday, scorched approximately 1,600 hectares. A second, separate blaze began on Monday afternoon, rapidly spreading overnight to affect an additional 450 hectares. Pierre Ory, the Prefect of Seine-et-Marne, announced on Tuesday that both fires were “fixed,” meaning their spread has been halted within their current perimeters. However, he emphasized that firefighters would remain on-site for days, possibly weeks, to fully extinguish all hot spots.
More than 800 firefighters have been mobilized to combat the blazes, supported by four Canadair aircraft, one Dash plane (used for dropping fire retardants), and two water-bombing helicopters. Additionally, two army bulldozers have been deployed to widen firebreaks and assist in extinguishing active hot spots. Despite the extensive nature of the fires, authorities report no casualties, and material damage has been described as “very limited” thus far, primarily affecting the forest itself.
Arrests Made in Arson Investigation
The Fontainebleau Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Diane Ngomsik, confirmed that six individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the fires. Among those arrested, two have reportedly confessed to their involvement. One of the suspects is a volunteer firefighter who admitted to starting a fire. The second suspect acknowledged accidentally igniting a fire by discarding a cigarette at another origin point. Two of these arrests were subsequently lifted on Tuesday afternoon due to insufficient evidence at that stage of the investigation.
The Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Seine-et-Marne (Sdis 77) issued a statement expressing “the deepest consternation” following the arrest of the volunteer firefighter. The statement highlighted the severe gravity of such acts, particularly given the risks posed to the population, emergency personnel, and the fundamental values of the firefighting service.
Evacuations and Community Impact
Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure, including residents from a campsite situated on the edge of the forest. While the immediate threat to human life and property has been mitigated, the long-term ecological impact on the Fontainebleau forest, a significant natural heritage site, remains a concern. Residents of affected areas, such as Achères-la-Forêt, have expressed fears about the lasting consequences of the fires on their local environment and daily lives, lamenting the potential loss of a cherished green space.
The incident has also prompted a wave of community solidarity. Residents organized a solidarity market to support the 850 firefighters engaged in the operation, providing assistance and expressing gratitude for their tireless efforts.
Broader Context of Forest Fires in France
These fires in Fontainebleau are part of a series of significant wildfires that have affected France since the beginning of the summer. The ongoing heatwaves and dry conditions have created a heightened risk of such incidents across the country, placing immense pressure on emergency services.
The investigation into the exact causes and circumstances of the Fontainebleau fires is ongoing, with authorities prioritizing a criminal line of inquiry given the confessions and multiple arrests. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for the forest’s recovery will become clearer in the coming weeks and months as assessment and restoration efforts commence.
Source: franceinfo.fr
