Massive Paris-Area Fire Rages, Suspected Arson, Major Highway Closed

A large fire is burning southeast of Paris, with French firefighters reporting that the blaze is threatening to spread further. Interior Minister Nuñez visited the affected area in Seine-et-Marne and stated there are indications the fire along the A6 highway may have been deliberately set at multiple locations. Firefighters discovered ten additional ignition points within a thousand-meter radius, further suggesting arson. The French police are investigating the incident.

Minister Nuñez described the fire as "absolutely exceptional and unprecedented," noting that approximately 5% of the Fontainebleau nature reserve has been destroyed. This type of large-scale fire is typically seen in southern France, not this region. President Macron called it a fire "of enormous size" on X. The A6, also known as the Route du Soleil, a major route for holidaymakers, is closed in both directions between Paris and Dijon, with no clear timeline for reopening. Firefighting aircraft from southern France have been deployed to the area, a first for this region, to help combat the flames. These planes are collecting over 6,000 liters of water per flight from the Seine River. Fire departments from the south have also been dispatched.

The challenging conditions, including strong winds and dry peat soil, are complicating firefighting efforts. Despite hopes that the fire might be contained today, officials warn that extinguishing efforts could take days or even weeks. The village of Achères-la-Forêt and half of Vaudoué's residents, totaling about a thousand people including tourists, were evacuated rapidly due to the encroaching flames. Residents described being told to leave their homes quickly with little time to gather belongings. The scale of the smoke and flames has been described as impressive and unlike anything previously seen in the region. Since the start of the summer season, 32,000 hectares of forest have burned across France, exceeding the total for all of 2025. The country is experiencing a particularly difficult fire season, with 250 fires recorded recently, including thirty critical ones, and 37 departments under a code red alert due to heat and drought.