Massive Forest Fire Near Paris Forces Evacuation of 900 Residents

A massive wildfire is currently raging in the Fontainebleau forest, located about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, threatening the French capital. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that emergency services have evacuated approximately 900 people from the affected forest area. The fire has rapidly consumed 800 hectares and continues to spread uncontrollably. Authorities have described the blaze as violent and unusually large in scale, deploying two firefighting planes, two helicopters, and an observation aircraft to combat the fire. This marks the first time firefighting aircraft have been sent from southern France to the Paris region. Eric Brocardi, a representative of the French National Firefighters Federation, explained that the extraordinary measures aim to save lives and property.

The fire has caused partial closure of the main highway connecting northern and southern France, leading to severe traffic disruptions just as the summer holiday season begins. Another fire east of Paris blocked a highway and disrupted high-speed train services to southern France, with the national railway company reporting delays of up to six hours at Paris's Gare de Lyon station. These severe wildfires coincide with France's third heatwave, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. Due to the extreme heat, three nuclear power plants were temporarily shut down to prevent overheating of river water used for cooling. Additionally, organizers of the Tour de France shortened the race route in response to the heat conditions.