The two fires that had been raging in the Fontainebleau forest since Sunday, July 12, were brought under control Tuesday evening. The announcement was made by the prefect of Seine-et-Marne, Pierre Ory, after more than two days of exceptional mobilization in the forest. The flames consumed approximately 2,050 hectares of vegetation, making this one of the largest fires seen in northern France in recent decades.
The term "contained" does not mean that the fire is extinguished. The two fires are no longer spreading beyond their perimeters, but numerous hotspots remain active within the affected areas. "Fixed means they are confined within their perimeter."Pierre Ory explained. Firefighters will have to continue their operations for several days, or even several weeks, to extinguish hotspots, prevent flare-ups and monitor charred areas.
More than 850 firefighters mobilized in the heart of the mountain range
More than 850 firefighters, civil security personnel, and staff from several departments were deployed. Four Canadair water bombers made runs over the forest, an unprecedented aerial mobilization on this scale in the Île-de-France region. Emergency services focused their efforts on the edges of the forest, forest roads, and areas near homes. A decrease in wind and improved weather conditions slowed the spread of the flames on Tuesday. However, several flare-ups were observed throughout the day. The fire continued to consume stumps, roots, and deep layers of soil, making operations lengthy and difficult. Trees weakened by the flames can also fall without warning, complicating the progress of ground crews.
Two separate fires in the forest
The first fire broke out Sunday afternoon near the A6 motorway. It quickly spread due to the drought, very high temperatures, and wind. Approximately 1 hectares were burned in 600 hours. The blaze's progression led to the closure of a section of the A6 and several precautionary evacuations. A second fire started Monday afternoon in the Faisanderie area, near Fontainebleau. This fire had burned approximately 450 hectares by midday Tuesday. In total, nearly a thousand people have been evacuated or sheltered since the start of the operations.
A volunteer firefighter admits to using a lighter and gasoline.
Alongside the fight against the flames, several investigations have been launched to determine the origin of the various fires. Six people have been taken into custody. Among them is a man born in 2007, a volunteer firefighter in Fontainebleau with no prior criminal record. Confronted with the initial evidence gathered by investigators, he admitted to setting fire to some twigs on Monday, July 13, in Arbonne-la-Forêt. He stated that he used a lighter and gasoline. His custody has been extended. The investigations must now determine the precise extent of the fire and establish its possible link to the different areas that have burned.
A second man admitted to starting the fire from a cigarette.
Another man, also born in 2007 and with no prior criminal record, admitted to accidentally starting a fire by throwing a cigarette near the Grand Parquet, close to the Faisanderie. No connection has been established between the two men. Their custody has been extended.
A man born in 1975 was also questioned after several fires were reported in Arbonne-la-Forêt and Fontainebleau. He had no prior criminal record. Another suspect, born in 2005 and already known to police for traffic offenses, was taken into custody at the Fontainebleau police station in connection with a fire near the Faisanderie.
Two people have been arrested in the investigation into the first fire, which broke out on Sunday near the A6 motorway. Investigators are checking whether the fire was linked to construction work being carried out in the immediate vicinity of the motorway. Several witnesses have been interviewed, and samples have been taken from the various sites. All hypotheses, both accidental and deliberate, are still being examined.
Two people were released from custody due to insufficient evidence.
On Tuesday afternoon, two of the six people held in custody were released. The public prosecutor of Fontainebleau, Diane Ngomsik, indicated that investigators did not have sufficient evidence to keep these two individuals in custody. The remaining investigations continue under the authority of the prosecutor's office.
Investigations in certain areas can only be carried out once they are completely secured. The heat of the ground, smoke, weakened trees, and the presence of residual fires are still preventing investigators from accessing all affected areas.
Severe air pollution around the burned areas
The fires also caused significant air pollution in the southern Île-de-France region. Particulate matter concentrations reached very high levels near the fires. Smoke was carried towards several neighboring towns, while a burning smell was reported several dozen kilometers from the mountain range.
The flames have now stopped spreading, but the danger has not disappeared. Firefighters will continue to douse the ground, monitor the edges of the forest, and search for hidden hotspots under stumps and roots. Surveillance will remain heightened throughout the Fontainebleau forest, as high temperatures and drought conditions maintain a significant risk of new fires.
