A volunteer firefighter is under formal investigation in France on suspicion of starting a devastating fire in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris. The blaze has burned over 2,000 hectares and led to evacuations, though no victims have been reported.
The incident highlights the increasing threat of wildfires in Europe, exacerbated by climate change, and raises concerns about potential arson, even by those tasked with fighting fires. It underscores the severe impact these fires can have on natural heritage sites and infrastructure.
A volunteer firefighter is under formal investigation in France on suspicion of starting a devastating fire in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris. The blaze has burned over 2,000 hectares (approximately 5,000 acres) and led to about 1,000 people being evacuated.
Officials stated that the 18-year-old suspect initially confessed to setting fire to twigs with a lighter and petrol before retracting his statement. A second 18-year-old man has also been placed under formal investigation, a stage in French criminal procedure that may lead to formal charges.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the fire-affected area, noting that 10% of the forest had been burned and emphasizing that there would be no leniency for arsonists. He also remarked that France has not seen so many fires since World War Two, with nearly 11,000 fires registered since the beginning of the year.
The Fontainebleau forest fire, which started last Sunday, partially closed the country's main north-south motorway. While the fire has been contained, it has not been fully extinguished. The forest is home to the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
France, like many other European countries, has been experiencing unusual heatwaves, which climate change is exacerbating. Europe is heating up twice as fast as the global average, leading to more intense wildfires.