Firefighters Battle Growing Wildfire Near Paris

Firefighters in France battled a major wildfire through the night after the blaze broke out just a few kilometers from the historic Château de Fontainebleau near Paris. Together with another nearby fire, it has already destroyed more than 1,300 hectares of forest.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the situation remains out of control, prompting authorities to deploy dozens of helicopters and Canadair water bombers, which have been scooping water from the Seine River.

The fire has forced more than 900 residents to evacuate and led to the closure of the A6 motorway linking Paris with Lyon. Smaller fires in the region have also caused major disruptions to high-speed rail services.

Europe is now experiencing its third heat wave of the year, with a record 32,000 hectares of land already burned in France.

Police have detained 59 people suspected of starting wildfires, including at least two near Fontainebleau. About half of the suspects are minors, and some are repeat offenders.

(Reuters, Max)