Planes sent to tackle wildfires of 'exceptional scale' near Paris
Firefighters in France are battling a large, 'virulent' wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris. Authorities suspect the blaze may have been intentionally set due to multiple ignition points found in the area.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of European regions to wildfires during record-breaking heatwaves, straining emergency response resources.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Chris Graham Firefighters battle wildfires in forest near Paris The battle by firefighters in France to bring under control a large wildfire raging in forests south of the country's capital is entering its second day.
The Fontainebleau forest blaze, described by officials as "virulent" and of "exceptional scale", partially closed the country's main north-south highway.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez has indicated the blaze may have been deliberately set, after officials said the fire had raced across 800 hectares in the forest about 40 miles (60km) south-east of Paris.
The Paris region is suffering through its third heatwave this year during a summer in which temperature records have been broken in several countries across Europe.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in