French Firefighter Detained over Suspected Arson in Fontainebleau Fire
An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter has been placed under formal investigation and remanded in custody on suspicion of starting a wildfire in France's historic Fontainebleau forest, where more than 2,000 hectares were burned in one of the country's largest fires this year.
According to French prosecutors, the suspect initially admitted to igniting twigs with a lighter and petrol before later withdrawing the confession. Authorities are continuing their investigation, with six people arrested in connection with the wildfires.
The blaze forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate their homes as it spread through the forest, located around 60 kilometers Southeast of Paris, while the A6 motorway linking the capital with Southeastern France was temporarily closed. Fire officials said hundreds of firefighters succeeded in containing the flames, although the fire had not been fully extinguished.France has faced repeated heatwaves this summer, with high temperatures fueling wildfires across the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said approximately 32,000 hectares had burned since the beginning of the year, exceeding the total area affected during the entire 2025 wildfire season.
11:49 - 25 تیر 1405
