Two arrested as 'exceptional' wildfire rages near Paris

A wildfire of 'exceptional scale' has been burning since Sunday in the historic Fontainebleau forest south of Paris, forcing evacuations and disrupting traffic as France swelters through its third heatwave. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

What happened

The fire broke out late Sunday in the sprawling forest, a former royal hunting reserve about 60 km southeast of Paris. By early Monday, it had scorched between 800 and 1,900 hectares (2,000–4,700 acres), depending on the source Source: BBC; DW. The flames prompted the partial closure of the A6 motorway and caused train delays at Paris's Gare de Lyon Source: AP News. Around 15 homes were evacuated in the village of Vaudoue, and up to 1,000 people were affected Source: The Guardian; Al Jazeera.

The response

Nearly 850 firefighters and four Canadair water-bombing aircraft were deployed, scooping water from the River Seine – the first time such planes have been used in the Paris region Source: CNN; Euronews. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire is not yet under control Source: DW.

Arrests and investigation

Two individuals were arrested in connection with the Fontainebleau blaze Source: SCMP. Nunez noted there were about 10 ignition points within 1,000 metres, suggesting deliberate arson Source: CNA. Across France, 59 people have been arrested for arson this year, some repeat offenders Source: DW.

Heatwave and climate context

The fire comes during France's third heatwave since May, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Scientists say such heatwaves would be 'virtually impossible' without climate change Source: The Guardian; CNN.