Central Appeal for Donations to Rebuild the Fontainebleau Forest

Fontainebleau – 17 July 2026: Following the severe forest fires of recent days, financial aid for affected forest areas in France is being pooled. At the center is the state forest of Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne, where large areas have been destroyed by fire since 12 July. President Emmanuel Macron announced a central appeal for donations on 16 July to support the reconstruction of the forest.

The donations will initially be used for immediate post-fire measures. These include securing vulnerable areas, assessing damage to flora and fauna, and preparing long-term restoration work. According to the ONF state forestry authority’s fund, private contributions in summer 2026 will be used to restore forests affected by fire.

An initial target of 200,000 euros has been set for the Fontainebleau campaign. The money is intended primarily to fund the protection of damaged forest areas and their biodiversity. Authorities stress that reforestation cannot be reduced to short-term tree planting: first, burned areas must be examined, safety risks eliminated, and ecological consequences assessed.

The fire in Fontainebleau prompted an exceptionally large-scale response. According to the Gendarmerie, more than 2,000 hectares of forest were affected. Around 800 firefighters and numerous police officers were deployed at times to fight the flames, secure transport routes, and protect affected residents. The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

Firefighters in other regions have also been dealing with numerous vegetation and forest fires since early July. At the beginning of the month, the government had already convened an interministerial crisis meeting due to the large number of fires in southern France and the continuing heat. The damage in Fontainebleau now demonstrates that the risk is not confined to the traditional fire-prone areas of the Mediterranean region.

In addition to monetary donations, there had been local drives for in-kind donations for emergency personnel in recent days. Several municipalities collected water, food supplies, and other urgently needed goods. The Seine-et-Marne departmental fire and rescue service subsequently stated that the immediate logistical needs of emergency personnel had been met. Those wishing to donate are therefore being directed to structured and transparent forms of assistance.

The ONF fund explains that restoration must be tailored to the specific local conditions. This includes protecting remaining habitats, stabilizing soils, and selecting resilient tree species. This is particularly significant for Fontainebleau: the forest massif is an important natural area, recreational space, and internationally renowned climbing destination. The announced fundraising campaign is intended to finance the start of a long reconstruction process.