The forest fire in the Forêt de Fontainebleau south of Paris has developed into one of the biggest natural disasters the Île-de-France region has experienced in many years. According to the latest information from authorities, the two fire sites have now destroyed more than 1,900 hectares of forest and vegetation. Despite a massive firefighting operation, both fires remain active.
The first fire spread in the Massif des Trois Pignons area, while a second fire site emerged in the same region almost simultaneously. Together, the flames devastated an area equivalent to roughly 2,700 football pitches. Although emergency crews s쳮ded in significantly slowing the rapid spread of the fires, the all-clear cannot yet be given.
More than 500 firefighters are deployed around the clock. They are receiving air support from water-bombing aircraft and helicopters, while numerous ground teams are tackling flames and hotspots. The persistent drought, high temperatures and periodically strengthening winds are making firefighting efforts considerably more difficult. Even small remnants of embers can quickly develop into open fires again under these conditions.
Authorities therefore expect the operation to continue for several more days. Even after full containment, the area will remain under observation. Hotspots can continue smouldering unseen for a long time in the sandy forest soil and root systems before flaring up again later. Such mop-up operations are often among the most demanding phases of a forest fire.
For safety reasons, numerous hiking trails and large parts of the forest area remain closed. Visitors and local residents are urged to consistently avoid the affected areas. In addition to hidden hotspots, weakened or damaged trees also pose a considerable risk.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Investigators are examining several fire sites that emerged almost simultaneously. This unusual development fuels suspicion that at least some of the fires may have been deliberately set. However, this has not yet been confirmed.
The major blaze clearly demonstrates how severely forests in northern France are now also suffering from extreme drought. The Forêt de Fontainebleau is among the country’s best-known forest areas and attracts millions of visitors every year. The fact that a fire of this scale could develop there is seen as a clear warning sign. Heat, parched soil and wind are now creating conditions even far from the Mediterranean coast in which forest fires can spread dramatically within a short period of time.
By C. Hatty