A fierce fire continues to ravage the Fontainebleau forest in Seine-et-Marne, just 60 km from Paris. Since Saturday, firefighters from the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 77) have been battling tirelessly against the flames, which have already spread across 800 hectares. Although the fire has been brought under control in the department, it remains active and is still spreading as of Monday.
380 firefighters mobilised throughout the night
The Seine-et-Marne Prefecture confirmed on Sunday evening that 380 firefighters, supported by 84 vehicles, were working non-stop to contain the fire. Adverse weather conditions, marked by a red heatwave alert, are complicating their efforts. “The situation is likely to persist,” warned the Prefecture, calling on residents and the public to remain vigilant.
Among the other fires brought under control in the department, three were stubble fires: 306 hectares in Barbizon, 45 hectares in Écrennes and 30 hectares in Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry. A fire in Jouarre was also brought under control thanks to the rapid response of the emergency services.
Rail disruption and PEGASE plan activated
The fire had a major impact on train services between Paris and Lyon. According to the SNCF, the fire broke out in a field in Châtelet-en-Brie, where a piece of agricultural machinery was in operation. The flames first reached the A5 motorway before crossing the central reservation and damaging railway signalling cables. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze at 6.50 pm, but repairs, carried out by SNCF Réseau teams, are continuing throughout the night to allow for a gradual resumption of services on Monday morning.
Due to these disruptions, around 130 trains were affected. To manage the influx of passengers into Paris, the Paris Police Prefecture activated the PEGASE plan, mobilising taxis to ease congestion at Gare de Lyon.
The Home Secretary is expected to visit the scene
Given the scale of the situation, the Home Secretary will visit the scene on Monday morning to support the emergency services and assess the resources deployed. The authorities are reminding the public of the importance of following safety guidelines and avoiding any risky behaviour, such as carrying out farm work during periods of extreme heat.
Follow the progress of the fires in real time on our interactive map.