Live updates
Loading updates…
French officials rushed two firefighting planes to the Paris region on Sunday after a wildfire described as “very virulent” and of “exceptional scale” erupted in the sprawling Fontainebleau forest, about 60km (40 miles) south-east of the capital, according to the Guardian.
The fire began late in the afternoon in the forest, a one-time royal hunting preserve that today is dotted with quiet villages. It raced across 800 hectares (2,000 acres) and was still spreading early on Monday, officials said.
The blaze caused the partial closure of the A6 highway, the country’s main north-south artery, disrupting traffic during a busy summer travel weekend.
High-speed rail traffic was also disrupted, adding to the strain on travellers during a period marked by a heatwave, the Guardian reported.
Villages within the affected area were evacuated as the fire continued to spread. Officials indicated the fire had not been brought under control as of early Monday.
Why it matters
The Fontainebleau blaze underscores the growing risk of large wildfires near major population centres during heatwaves. Its disruption of a key highway and high-speed rail during peak summer travel shows how such fires can ripple across everyday life and tourism.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Fontainebleau fire located?
The fire is in the Fontainebleau forest, about 60km (40 miles) south-east of Paris. The area is a former royal hunting preserve dotted with quiet villages.
How large is the fire?
According to the Guardian, the wildfire had burnt more than 800 hectares (2,000 acres) and was still spreading early on Monday.
How is the fire affecting travel?
The blaze caused the partial closure of the A6 highway, France's main north-south artery, and disrupted high-speed rail traffic during a busy, heatwave-stricken summer travel weekend.
Timeline
- Fire bomber planes battle Fointaineblue forest blaze near Paris
The Guardian World: Wildfire quickly burnt more than 800 hectares, with villages evacuated, highway partly closed and high-speed rail disrupted French officials rushed two firefighting planes to the Paris region on Sunday after a “very virulent” fire of “exceptional scale” erupted in the sprawling F
- Fire bomber planes battle Fontainebleau forest blaze near Paris
The Guardian World: Wildfire quickly burnt more than 800 hectares, with villages evacuated, highway partly closed and high-speed rail disrupted French officials rushed two firefighting planes to the Paris region on Sunday after a “very virulent” fire of “exceptional scale” erupted in the sprawling F