Story perspectives

Six Arrested for Arson in 2,050-Hectare Paris Blaze

7/16/2026

Left

Volunteer Firefighter Arrested

Six people, among them a volunteer firefighter, were arrested for allegedly deliberately igniting the Fontainebleau forest fires.
Two fast-moving wildfires burned over 2,050 hectares in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris and are now contained.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez cited nearly 300 Canadair water-drop missions, the first use near Paris.
Rémi Savazzi warned the blaze shows danger from climate-change heatwaves, and recovery may take decades.

Right

Macron Replants

Emmanuel Macron launched a fundraising drive, coordinated by the municipality, National Forest Office and Fondation du Patrimoine, to replant Fontainebleau.
Replanting effort was pledged by Macron after wildfires burned at least 10 percent of the 20,000-ha forest, now contained.
The blaze forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate the surrounding area.
Macron recalled his 2019 promise to rebuild Notre-Dame, noting its 2024 reopening after €900 million donations.

1 of 2

Volunteer Firefighter Arrested

Six people, among them a volunteer firefighter, were arrested for allegedly deliberately igniting the Fontainebleau forest fires.
Two fast-moving wildfires burned over 2,050 hectares in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris and are now contained.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez cited nearly 300 Canadair water-drop missions, the first use near Paris.
Rémi Savazzi warned the blaze shows danger from climate-change heatwaves, and recovery may take decades.

1 / 2