France's Macron declares zero tolerance for arson amid record wildfires

President Emmanuel Macron announced a "zero tolerance" policy for arson after France experienced an unprecedented wave of wildfires. The fires have burned roughly 35,000 hectares, surpassing the total area affected during the entire 2025 season and the most simultaneous outbreaks since World War II. Heatwaves since May have dried the landscape, and the historic Fontainebleau forest near Paris, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, has seen more than 2,000 hectares damaged.

About 1,000 residents were evacuated as flames spread, and authorities have arrested dozens of suspects, including construction workers accused of causing an accidental blaze and two young men charged with deliberate arson. Macron unveiled a funding drive to rehabilitate the forest and noted that 16 wildfires remained active across the country.

The government emphasized legal action against both accidental and intentional ignitions, underscoring the threat to natural heritage and public safety.