A massive wildfire has been raging since Sunday in the historic Fontainebleau forest, about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris. The blaze has scorched over 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres), an area three times the size of Gibraltar, and is still not under control.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the fire is just a few kilometers from the Palace of Fontainebleau and remains uncontrolled.

Approximately 900 residents have been evacuated from the area. Firefighting efforts involve over 850 firefighters, four Canadair aircraft, two water-bombing planes, and three helicopters.

The aircraft have been scooping water from the River Seine, conducting 187 water drops. Nunez noted that 2025 is on track to be a record year for wildfires in France, with 32,000 hectares already burned.

Nationwide, 59 people have been arrested for suspected arson, some of whom are repeat offenders.

Source: www.dw.com