Forest Fires Near Fontainebleau Contained: More Than 2,000 Hectares Affected

Fontainebleau – 14/07/2026: According to the prefecture, the two major forest fires in the Fontainebleau Massif in Seine-et-Marne have now been brought under control. The flames have affected more than 2,000 hectares since Sunday. Around 800 firefighters remain deployed because the area still needs to be monitored, extinguished and secured against a resurgence of the fires.

Prefect Pierre Ory said on Tuesday evening that the fire sites had been contained. This does not mean they have been fully extinguished: within the defined fire zones, hotspots can persist for a long time. Emergency crews therefore expect work to continue for several days, possibly even weeks, particularly in difficult-to-access sections of forest.

The first reported fire began on Sunday, 12 July, in the Noisy-sur-Ecole area. A second fire broke out on Monday, 13 July, near La Faisanderie in Fontainebleau. The simultaneous operations complicated the situation, as vehicles and personnel had to be rapidly distributed between the fire sites. Authorities had previously ordered evacuations and access restrictions for at-risk areas.

In addition to fire engines, national aerial resources were deployed to fight the fires. Canadair aircraft collected water from the Seine and dropped it over the affected forest areas. Other firefighting aircraft and helicopters were also deployed. Air support was intended to relieve ground crews, whose work was hampered by wind, drought and the extent of the fire zone.

The Gendarmerie secured access roads, supported evacuations and protected cleared areas. According to authorities, investigations have been opened in connection with several possible causes of the fires. There are currently no final findings regarding criminal responsibility or the precise origin of the fires. Investigators must now determine whether, and to what extent, human actions played a role.

The Fontainebleau Massif, around 60 kilometres southeast of Paris, is considered one of the most important forest and natural areas in the Ile-de-France region. The fires therefore affect not only residents and visitors, but also an ecologically valuable habitat. Closures remain mandatory for walkers and motorists while firefighters and security forces work in the affected sectors.

The prefecture and emergency services therefore assess the immediate situation more favourably than they did in the morning. However, the all-clear has not been given for the entire forest area. Mop-up work remains crucial, as heat remaining in the ground or beneath dry vegetation can trigger flames again. Further official situation reports are expected to provide information on reopenings and safety requirements.