French authorities have opened a formal investigation into an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter suspected of being behind the major fire that swept through Fontainebleau Forest, south of Paris.
The flames have scorched more than 2,000 hectares of woodland, while around 1,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes. As a result of the situation, France’s main north-south motorway has also been partially closed.
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Prosecutor Diane Ngomsik said the young man initially admitted to setting fire to several branches using a lighter and petrol, but later withdrew his statement. Another 18-year-old is also under investigation in connection with the same case. This stage of the French criminal justice system may be followed by formal charges and a trial.
Although the fire has been contained, authorities stress that it has not yet been fully extinguished. President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to the affected area, said arsonists would not be tolerated and praised the commitment of firefighters. He also stressed that there have been no casualties so far.
According to Macron, approximately 10% of Fontainebleau Forest has been affected by the flames. The area, which includes the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, is one of France’s most important natural and historic sites. The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau have been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1981.
Since the start of the year, nearly 11,000 fires have been recorded in France, according to authorities. Like many other European countries, the country has faced high temperatures and unusual heat episodes.
Data from the Copernicus climate service show that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, at a rate around twice the global average. Rising temperatures are driving more intense heatwaves, putting pressure on water reserves and increasing forest fires.
This summer, major fires have also been recorded in Spain, where at least 13 people have died. Meanwhile, in northeastern Scotland, firefighters continue efforts to bring a fire spreading through Cairngorms National Park under control.
