Forest fire near Fontainebleau: Around 200 people leave their homes

Noisy-sur-École – 13/07/2026: A large-scale forest fire in the western part of the Fontainebleau forest is keeping emergency services in Seine-et-Marne on high alert. The fire broke out late on Sunday afternoon, 12 July, near the A6 motorway and had affected around 800 hectares shortly after midnight. Authorities describe the situation as exceptionally difficult because heat and wind aided its spread.

On Monday morning, two Dash water-bombing aircraft sent from southern France were deployed, while helicopters also supported crews on the ground. According to the fire service, around 400 firefighters were mobilized. Air support was intended in particular to prevent the flames from reaching the towns of Noisy-sur-École and Le Vaudoué. The aircraft had to suspend operations overnight, while ground crews continued to secure the fire perimeter.

Residents in at-risk outlying areas were evacuated from their homes as a precaution. Around 15 residential properties were subject to ordered evacuations; according to authorities, nearly 200 additional people left their homes independently. The measures were intended to protect people from smoke, flying embers and a possible rapid change in the fire’s direction. There were initially no confirmed reports of injuries or damage to occupied buildings.

The fire also disrupted major transport routes in the region. Sections of the A6 were closed, and rail services on the route between Paris and Lyon were severely disrupted. Travelers had to expect long delays. Incident commanders urged the public to comply strictly with closures and keep access routes clear for firefighters, emergency services and fire engines.

The Forêt de Fontainebleau is located around 60 kilometers southeast of Paris and covers more than 20,000 hectares. The deployment of water-bombing aircraft from southern France underscores the scale of the fire. Such resources are normally used primarily in regions at particularly high risk of wildfires. For the 2026 wildfire season, the Environment Ministry had designated a national fleet of twelve Canadair aircraft and eight Dash aircraft.

For the coming hours, the key question remains whether emergency crews can reach all remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading again. The area reported so far, around 800 hectares, reflects the situation early on Monday and may change. Residents of the affected municipalities should follow official alerts only. The cause of the fire had not yet been made public by Monday morning. An investigation into its origin is due to begin after the acute phase has ended.