Two arrested as firefighters battle Fontainebleau forest fire near Paris

Lead

Firefighters in France are working to contain a major wildfire in the historic Fontainebleau forest southeast of Paris, as at least two people have been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze. The fire, which erupted on Sunday, has scorched between 1,300 and 2,000 hectares of land, according to various reports, and has forced the evacuation of around 1,000 residents. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire "is not under control" and suggested it may have been deliberately set.

Coverage comparison

The wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest, a former royal hunting estate about 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the French capital, has drawn extensive coverage from international media outlets, each offering slightly different details and emphases.

Al Jazeera reported that the fires scorched 1,300 hectares and noted that about 1,000 people were evacuated, while also highlighting that France is enduring its third heatwave in three months. The BBC, in one report, said firefighters were battling to bring the blaze under control and mentioned that horses had been evacuated from an equestrian centre near Paris. In a later BBC report, a volunteer firefighter was placed under formal investigation on suspicion of starting the fire, and the burned area was said to exceed 2,000 hectares.

Deutsche Welle reported that at least two people had been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze and that the fire had scorched more than 1,900 hectares. Fox News also reported on the fire, noting that it had destroyed 2,000 hectares of woodland and that 850 emergency firefighters were deployed, while also suggesting that human negligence, in addition to climate change, was a factor.

France 24 reported on President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to replant the historic forest, which he described as "a treasure for welcoming people and for biodiversity." France 24 also provided details on the fire's scale, saying it had scorched at least 10% of the 20,000-hectare domain. Another France 24 report described firefighters' efforts and the deployment of four Canadair aircraft and two Dash planes.

RFI English reported that 59 people had been arrested across France over suspected deliberate or accidental arson, including two in connection with the Fontainebleau fire. The South China Morning Post also reported the two arrests and repeated Nunez's suggestion that the fire may have been deliberately set.

The Hindu, while also covering the arrests and firefighters' efforts, reported that the blaze had forced the closure of the A6 highway linking Paris with Lyon and the south, and disrupted high-speed train services.

Key claims

• The fire erupted on Sunday in the sprawling Fontainebleau forest, a former royal hunting estate, according to multiple reports.
• Firefighters have been battling to control the blaze, which as of Tuesday morning had scorched at least 1,900 hectares, as reported by Deutsche Welle, RFI, and others.
• Around 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes, as reported by Al Jazeera, France 24, and RFI.
• At least two people were arrested on suspicion of starting the fire, as reported by Deutsche Welle, RFI, and The Hindu.
• Interior Minister Laurent Nunez suggested the fire may have been deliberately set, as reported by the BBC and South China Morning Post.
• French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to replant the forest and warned of zero tolerance for arsonists, as reported by France 24 and the BBC.
• The fire has forced the closure of the A6 highway and disrupted rail services, as reported by The Hindu.
• The Paris region is suffering through its third heatwave this year, as reported by Al Jazeera and the BBC.

Perspectives

French authorities

The government, represented by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, has said the fire is not under control and has suggested it may have been intentionally set. Nunez reported that 59 people had been arrested across France for suspected deliberate or accidental arson, and President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to replant the forest and warned of zero tolerance for arsonists.

Firefighters and local officials

Firefighters have been working on the ground and in the air, with the deployment of water-carrying planes and helicopters. Commander of the rescue operations Jean-Marc Sicard said around 600 firefighters remained mobilised as of Monday night. Local officials have expressed alarm, with deputy mayor Didier Buguinet in Le Vaudoue saying, "We're going to weep for our forest."