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Macron Visits Fontainebleau Blaze, Vows No Arson Leniency

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron visited the Fontainebleau forest on Thursday, declaring that arsonists will receive no leniency.
Two 18-year-old volunteers, including a firefighter, are under formal investigation for allegedly igniting the fire.
The blaze, which started last Sunday, has burned over 2,000 hectares, forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate, and prompted a partial closure of the main north-south motorway, keeping the UNESCO World Heritage forest closed amid the heatwave.

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Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron visited the Fontainebleau forest on Thursday, declaring that arsonists will receive no leniency.
Two 18-year-old volunteers, including a firefighter, are under formal investigation for allegedly igniting the fire.
The blaze, which started last Sunday, has burned over 2,000 hectares, forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate, and prompted a partial closure of the main north-south motorway, keeping the UNESCO World Heritage forest closed amid the heatwave.