Volunteer firefighter suspected of starting devastating France forest fire
An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter is under investigation for allegedly starting a massive forest fire in Fontainebleau, France. The blaze has destroyed 10% of the historic forest and prompted President Macron to condemn the arson amid a record-breaking season of wildfires.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing threat of wildfires in Europe exacerbated by climate change and the severe impact on cultural heritage sites.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Some 10% of the historic forest south of Paris has been burned
A volunteer firefighter has been placed under formal investigation in France on suspicion of starting a fire in a forest south of Paris, officials say.
He is one of at least six people questioned over the Fontainebleau fire that has burned more than 2,000 hectares (some 5,000 acres) and led to about 1,000 people being evacuated.
Although the fire has been contained, it has not been fully extinguished. Visiting the area on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron said there would be no leniency for arsonists.
France - like many other European countries - has been experiencing a series of unusual heatwaves. Macron said there had not seen so many fires in France since World War Two.
Figure caption, Firefighters battle wildfires in forest near Paris
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