87,500 euros for farmers after forest fire near Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau – 04.08.2026: Following the major fire in the Fontainebleau forest area, the departments of Seine-et-Marne and Essonne are making a total of 87,500 euros available to the agricultural businesses involved. The money is primarily intended to compensate water transport operations through which farmers supported firefighters during the fires on 12 and 13 July. Payments are due to begin in September.

According to the two local authorities, 104 farmers took part in the relief efforts. They arrived with tractors and water tanks to supply firefighting crews in the extensive forest area. Other farms used stubble cultivators to create firebreaks. These were intended to deprive the flames of combustible material and prevent the fire from spreading further towards residential areas. At the peak of the operation, around 1,000 firefighters and other emergency personnel were deployed.

Financial compensation will be provided to 53 farms that transported water. In Seine-et-Marne, 70,000 euros will go to 45 farmers, who together completed nearly 1,350 hours of operations. The rate, agreed with the farmers’ association FDSEA 77, is 50 euros net per hour. Eight farms from Essonne will receive a total of 17,500 euros for around 350 hours.

Farmers who made their machinery available to create firebreaks are also set to receive recognition. In Seine-et-Marne, they are to be invited to the Parrot World leisure park. Essonne plans to grant the helpers access to a tourist offering provided by the department. The authorities therefore distinguish between hourly compensation for water transport and symbolic recognition for other technical assistance.

According to the department, the fire affected around 2,200 hectares, or about ten percent of the Fontainebleau forest area. In addition to damage to vegetation, the fire also disrupted traffic. Several roads in the affected area remained closed recently, including the RD 301 and the D64. Other routes reopened on 20 July; a speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour applies there for the time being.

The farmers’ operations complemented the work of the SDIS 77 fire and rescue service, which coordinated the forces involved. For fire services, local farms with powerful tractors are particularly helpful where large quantities of water need to be transported over long distances into difficult-to-access terrain.

After the fire, the Île-de-France region announced additional measures for forests in the greater Paris area. Plans include expanded early fire detection and a regional conference on 8 October 2026. The sum now approved initially compensates the specifically documented work of the 53 farms that transported water.