Forest fires near Fontainebleau contained: evacuees expected to return

Le Vaudoué – 14.07.2026: According to the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne, two major fires in the Fontainebleau forest have been contained. After 48 hours of work, around 800 firefighters kept the flames within the areas of their previous spread. However, the fire hotspots have not yet been completely extinguished. Emergency services expect that final extinguishing and monitoring of particularly dangerous areas will continue for several more days, possibly even weeks.

In total, the fires affected just over 2,000 hectares of forest and vegetation. The largest fire had been spreading since Sunday, July 12, from the area around Noisy-sur-École and, according to authorities, affected around 1,600 hectares. A second fire broke out on Monday near Faisanderie in Fontainebleau and spread to additional areas. The situation led to numerous road closures and extensive protective measures.

The communes of Le Vaudoué and Achères-la-Forêt on the edge of the forest were particularly affected. Initially, around 900 residents were brought to safety there. On Monday, the municipality of Le Vaudoué announced that residents in areas at particular risk were not yet allowed to return to their homes. A multi-purpose hall was opened as an assistance center; according to the municipality, there were no injuries or buildings damaged by the flames at that time.

Following the achieved containment, evacuated people will be able to gradually return to their apartments and houses from Wednesday, July 15. However, returns will continue to depend on on-site safety assessments. Firefighters and security forces continue to guard access roads, monitor evacuated areas, and clear routes for fire engines. Heavy construction equipment was also deployed to widen access roads and firebreaks in the affected forest area.

To support ground units, three Canadair firefighting aircraft, a Dash aircraft, and two firefighting helicopters remained on standby on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of the Interior, aviation played a decisive role in containing the fires, carrying out nearly 300 water drops over the past two days. Since the start of the operation, the gendarmerie has maintained a significant presence in the area to organize evacuations, traffic control, and protection of empty homes.

At the same time, investigations into several causes of the fires are ongoing. The Fontainebleau public prosecutor’s office confirmed that two suspects in connection with separate fire outbreaks gave statements about their involvement. A total of four people were in police custody on Tuesday evening. The investigation is ongoing; no decision was initially made regarding possible criminal consequences. The Fontainebleau forest is located around 60 kilometers southeast of Paris and is one of France’s most important natural areas.