Key facts
- A wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris has been battled by firefighters.
- Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of starting the Fontainebleau forest fire.
- The fire scorched 1,300 hectares, leading to highway closures and evacuations.
- Spain's wildfire death toll has risen to 13 amid a European heatwave.
- France has experienced 32,000 hectares burned this year, potentially a record.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain a blaze in the historic Fontainebleau forest near Paris, which scorched 1,300 hectares and prompted highway closures and the evacuation of up to 900 people. Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire, which is located a few kilometers from the Palace of Fontainebleau. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the fire is not yet under control and that France is likely heading for a record year for wildfires, with 32,000 hectares burned so far. Europe is currently experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, fueling fires across the continent. In Spain, the death toll from wildfires has risen to 13. Nunez also reported that 59 people have been arrested across France for starting fires, with roughly half being minors.