France battles spreading wildfires as nearly 1,900 hectares burn
59 people arrested across country on suspicion of intentionally starting wildfires, while around 600 firefighters battle the blazes.
France battles spreading wildfires as nearly 1,900 hectares burn
The fires that have been raging since July 12 in the Fontainebleau forest had spread across more than 1,900 hectares by July 14 2026 / AFP

Two forest fires in France's Fontainebleau forest continued to spread overnight, burning a combined 1,920 hectares, while authorities arrested two people suspected of deliberately starting the first blaze, broadcaster BFMTV reported on Tuesday.

Around 600 firefighters remained deployed as crews continued efforts to contain the fires.

Firefighters said the first blaze, which broke out on Sunday, burned around 1,500 hectares, while the second scorched between 300 and 400 hectares.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot called for "very harsh sentences" for those responsible for deliberately starting wildfires, saying confirmed arsonists should face "very severe penalties", while those suffering from pyromania should receive medical treatment.

French authorities said 59 people have been arrested across the country since the start of the fire season on suspicion of deliberately starting wildfires. Two of those arrests were linked to the Fontainebleau fire.

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A railway line in southern France remains disrupted following the Trevillach wildfire in the Pyrenees-Orientales region.

The blaze, which broke out earlier this month, damaged railway infrastructure along the Perpignan-Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains route.

National rail operator SNCF said train services between Ille-sur-Tet and Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains would remain suspended until at least July 20.

Wildfires also affected Brittany and Lozere as firefighters continued efforts to contain several outbreaks.

In Brittany's Cotes-d'Armor department, more than 100 people were evacuated on Monday after a heath fire broke out near Cap Frehel, burning around 38 hectares.

In Lozere, authorities said 107 hectares had been burned.

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SOURCE:Anadolu Agency