French authorities are now formally investigating an 18‑year‑old volunteer firefighter suspected of sparking the devastating blaze in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris.
Officials say the fire, which burned more than 2,000 hectares (about 5,000 acres) and prompted roughly 1,000 evacuations, has been contained but remains only partially extinguished.
The volunteer firefighter was brought in for questioning after initially confiding that he had set a lighter and petrol on twigs, a claim he later retracted. A second 18‑year‑old man is also under formal investigation, a step that could lead to further charges.
President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the scene, stressed that there would be no leniency for those who set the fire and noted that France has seen far fewer fires since World War Two.
The blaze temporarily closed France’s main north‑south motorway. Macron highlighted that 10% of the forest had been burned, and praised the absence of casualties so far.
The Fontainebleau forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, has become a focal point for climate‑related challenges as Europe experiences record heatwaves and an increasing frequency of wildfires.
France has recorded nearly 11,000 fires since the beginning of 2026, underscoring the urgent need for stronger preventive measures against arson and climate‑driven risks.
