Monday night, July 13, 2026, was another grueling chapter in the battle against a massive wildfire raging through the Fontainebleau Forest southeast of Paris. Hundreds of firefighters continued their exhausting efforts through the night as flames consumed nearly 12,000 acres within just 48 hours—and authorities warn the fire’s footprint may still grow.
Army Joins the Front Line
While firefighters aim to bring the blaze under control ‘within the day,’ the French army has deployed to assist frontline crews—beginning Sunday afternoon. According to ICI Paris Île-de-France, military engineers are expected to bring bulldozers to clear access routes, helping firefighters reach remote or heavily wooded areas more effectively.
Some 850 firefighters remain engaged in the operation, working around the clock amid high temperatures and strong winds that continue to fan the flames.
59 Arrests Linked to Wildfires Across France
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Monday that 59 people have been arrested across France for deliberate or negligent arson—including two specifically tied to the Fontainebleau fire. Speaking on public television, Nuñez said the group includes 30 adults and 29 minors, with widely varying backgrounds. Of the 59, seven have been placed in pre-trial detention after admitting to intentionally starting fires.
A UNESCO-Recognized Forest Under Siege
The Fontainebleau Forest—a globally renowned destination for climbers and hikers—is located about 60 kilometers from central Paris. Designated a UNESCO ‘biosphere reserve,’ it is one of the most ecologically significant woodlands near the French capital.
The fire broke out around 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 12. In less than 24 hours, it had already scorched nearly 10,000 acres—an unprecedented escalation for the Île-de-France region. In response, emergency services deployed aerial resources never before used in the area: two Canadair water bombers drawing from the Seine River, two Dash aircraft dispensing fire-retardant gel, and specialized firefighting helicopters.
‘All available means have been mobilized,’ President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in a social media post—underscoring the national scale of the emergency.