French authorities are probing a volunteer firefighter for allegedly igniting a significant forest fire south of Paris. Six individuals are under scrutiny regarding the cause of the Fontainebleau wildfire, which ravaged over 2,000 hectares of French woodland and displaced about 1,000 residents. Initially admitting to starting the fire with a lighter and petrol, the 18-year-old firefighter later withdrew his statement, as reported by Prosecutor Diane Ngomsik. Another 18-year-old is also under formal investigation to determine potential charges related to the blaze, according to BFMTV.
During a visit to the region, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized a zero-tolerance stance towards arsonists. Although the fire, which began last Sunday, is now contained, firefighting efforts continue. President Macron noted that at least 10% of the Fontainebleau forest, spanning over 22,000 hectares, had been scorched. The forest, housing the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains closed to the public, with travel restrictions in place to facilitate emergency operations.
France has faced a series of heatwaves this summer, leading to nearly 11,000 fires. Macron highlighted that this year marked the highest number of fires in France since World War Two. Due to the fire, the country’s primary north-south motorway, passing through forest areas, has been partially closed.
Climate change-induced rising temperatures have disrupted water supplies and fueled wildfire occurrences globally. Europe, identified as the fastest warming continent by the Copernicus climate service, has seen a surge in wildfires. In Andalusia, Spain, at least 13 fatalities were reported due to wildfires.
Meanwhile, in the UK, a substantial wildfire in the Scottish Highlands triggered evacuations of homes and businesses in the Cairngorms National Park, with firefighters battling the blaze for the third consecutive day.
