Major fire in the Fontainebleau Forest: around 900 people evacuated as a precaution

Fontainebleau – July 13, 2026: Firefighting aircraft continued to circle above the forests south of Paris, while ground crews battled a fire that has been spreading through the Fontainebleau forest area since Sunday. According to authorities and the Interior Ministry, around 900 residents were moved to safety as a precaution; their homes are located on the edge of the forest. No injuries or destroyed homes were initially reported.

During Monday, hundreds of firefighters from Seine-et-Marne and other areas were at times involved in fighting the blaze. Emergency resources were significantly reinforced during the day. Two Canadair firefighting aircraft, Dash aircraft and firefighting helicopters supported the operation from the air. These aircraft drew water from the Seine. The deployment of such large firefighting aircraft in the Paris region is considered unusual.

The affected areas are mainly woodland in southern Seine-et-Marne, including areas near Achères-la-Forêt, Le Vaudoué and Noisy-sur-École. By Monday, the fire had affected several hundred hectares. The on-site command is concentrating on preventing the flames from spreading to inhabited edge areas and on preventing new fire outbreaks. Access routes and traffic routes in the surrounding area have been closed due to smoke, high temperatures and emergency vehicle traffic.

For those who had to leave their homes, the operation initially meant uncertainty. Authorities said the evacuations were precautionary. Local authorities and emergency services have set up accommodation sites. Whether residents can return to the affected residential areas depends on whether firefighters can maintain control of the edges of the fire zone. According to consistent reports, the fire had not yet been fully brought under control by Monday evening.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said there were indications that the fire may have been deliberately started. However, the investigation is still at an early stage. Media reported that two people were temporarily detained in connection with the fire. Whether and how their involvement can be proven remains unresolved. They are presumed innocent. The authorities responsible for the investigation initially provided no further information on possible charges.

The woodland affected by the fire is far more than a recreational destination for the region. The Fontainebleau forest area is a highly characteristic natural space near Paris, visited daily by hikers, climbers and families. In recent months, authorities in Seine-et-Marne had already stepped up preventive measures due to several smaller fires and dry vegetation.

For the fire service, the situation remains difficult: wind, parched ground and hard-to-access forest sections could cause remaining embers to reignite quickly. Authorities urged the public to observe the closures, not to travel to the area on their own, and to follow official instructions issued by the prefecture and municipalities.