France is enduring days of high tension due to a wave of forest fires that has already devastated tens of thousands of hectares across various regions, reaching the historic Fontainebleau forest south of Paris.
Amidst extreme heat and suspicions of arson, the country faces one of its most severe summer situations. In Fontainebleau forest, the fire consumed approximately 1,200 hectares, exacerbated by a nearby second fire that destroyed another 100 hectares. The proximity to the French capital caused disruptions to rail and road traffic.
French authorities are investigating the criminal aspect of the fires, with 59 arrests (30 adults and 29 minors). Seven individuals are in pre-trial detention for admitting to deliberately starting fires. The wave of fires extends to southern France, impacting national events and daily life, under a backdrop of extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
