Fontainebleau forest fire scorches over 1,300 hectares, prompts evacuations and transport shutdowns
A massive wildfire broke out on 12 July 2026 in the historic Fontainebleau forest, about 60 km southeast of Paris. By 14 July the blaze had consumed between 800 and 1,300 hectares of forest, prompting the evacuation of roughly 900‑1,000 residents and visitors.
French authorities deployed around 400‑500 firefighters, four Canadair water‑bombing aircraft, two Dash planes, three helicopters and additional ground crews. The interior minister Laurent Nuñez said the fire started at about ten ignition points within a one‑kilometre perimeter, suggesting deliberate arson. Police have arrested 30 adults and 29 minors in connection with the blaze; seven suspects remain in pre‑trial detention.
The fire forced the closure of a section of the A6 motorway and caused major disruptions to high‑speed TGV services between Paris and Lyon, with delays of up to four hours. President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with affected communities and thanked emergency services. The incident occurred amid a third heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, which has heightened fire risk across the region.