Forest fire near Paris: Over 800 hectares destroyed; transportation is experiencing disruptions

A massive wildfire has broken out near Paris, prompting authorities to evacuate residents and impose traffic restrictions. The fire has already engulfed more than 800 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest, and hundreds of firefighters and aircraft have been deployed to battle the blaze. Learn more about the extent of the fire, the evacuation, and current restrictions in the region

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A massive forest fire broke out on the evening of July 12 in the Fontainebleau area, approximately 60 km southeast of Paris. The fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation, engulfing about 800 hectares and forcing authorities to evacuate residents from communities near the forest.

About 400 firefighters, along with planes and helicopters, were deployed to fight the blaze. The fire caused a partial closure of the A6 highway and disrupted train service, while authorities urged people to stay away from the danger zone. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties and no residential buildings were destroyed.

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The Scale of the Fire Near Paris: What Is Known So Far

The fire broke out on July 12 at around 4:40 p.m. in the Noisy-sur-École area, on the outskirts of the Fontainebleau forest. This area is located approximately 60 km southeast of Paris. By the morning of July 13, the fire had already consumed about 800 hectares of forest, and local authorities described the blaze as unprecedented in scale for the Île-de-France region.

About 400 firefighters, ground equipment, helicopters, and two Canadair aircraft—deployed from southern France—were mobilized to fight the fire. Separate hotspots emerged at about ten locations, including on both sides of the A6 highway. As a result, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that law enforcement is investigating the possibility of arson, though the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

As of July 13, the fire had not yet been contained. According to emergency services:

- No residential buildings were destroyed

- No fatalities or injuries have been reported

- Some residents of high-risk areas were evacuated or relocated to safe locations

- It may take anywhere from several days to several weeks to fully extinguish the fire

The French Gendarmerie has deployed approximately 100 officers to the fire zone to cordon off dangerous areas, control road traffic, and assist with the evacuation.

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Evacuation and Transportation Restrictions: Which Areas Have Been Affected by the Fire

As the fire approached residential areas, authorities evacuated about 15 homes in the commune of Le Vodue. One of the fire fronts came within approximately 100 meters of the settlement. About 200 people left the danger zone on their own and were accommodated in sports halls made available to them. Horse owners also transported their animals to the Grand Parquet safety center in Fontainebleau.

The fire has significantly disrupted road traffic. The A6 highway, one of the main routes between Paris and southern France, was closed in both directions along a roughly 20-kilometer stretch between Soisy-sur-École and Nemours. Mandatory exits were implemented for drivers near Oury and Cély.

Rail service was also disrupted. Due to fires and damage to signal cables on the Sud-Est high-speed line, about 130 trains arrived late, with delays at Paris’s Gare de Lyon station reaching up to six hours. Some trains were canceled or rerouted. As of July 13, high-speed train service between Paris and Lyon had gradually returned to normal speeds, though passengers were advised to check the status of their train immediately before departure.

Access to the entire Fontainebleau forest area has been temporarily prohibited. The restrictions apply to hiking, tourist trails, rock climbing, and agricultural work near the danger zone.

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Why is the fire spreading so quickly?

The rapid spread of the fire is fueled by a prolonged heatwave, dry vegetation, and a lack of rainfall. France is already experiencing its third heatwave this summer, with temperatures in some regions exceeding +40°C. Due to the parched soil and forest floor, even a small spark can quickly turn into a large-scale fire.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the fires broke out simultaneously at about ten locations on both sides of the A6 highway. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the circumstances of the fires as suspicious. Investigators are looking into the possibility of arson, but the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

The fire in Fontainebleau is part of a broader problem for France. Since the beginning of 2026, nearly 32,000 hectares of land have already been burned in the country—more than in all of 2025. Authorities warn that even after the fire is contained, individual hotspots may continue to smolder for several more days or weeks.

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What should tourists and travelers know?

The fire has not directly halted travel to Paris itself, but the situation may affect routes through the southern part of the Île-de-France region. The greatest risks concern travel on the A6 highway, train trips from the Gare de Lyon station, and visits to the Fontainebleau Forest.

Before traveling, you should:

1. Check the train status in the app or on the SNCF Connect website

2. Monitor announcements about A6 closures and use official detour routes

3. Do not plan hikes, rock climbing, or other activities in the Fontainebleau Forest until the ban is lifted

4. Do not approach firefighting vehicles or stop near the danger zone to take photos

5. In case of heavy smoke, close the windows, turn off the ventilation, and follow the instructions of local authorities

Drivers should be aware that the situation on the A6 may change throughout the day. According to the latest updates from VINCI Autoroutes, certain sections of the highway near Fontainebleau remain closed due to the fire, so it is best to check the route immediately before departure.

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