French Forest Fire Suspect in Custody - Prosecutor
The blaze burned more than 2,000 hectares and forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate, while 950 firefighters stayed on duty Thursday.
- On Wednesday, authorities placed a volunteer firefighter under formal investigation after he was suspected of starting a blaze in France's historic Fontainebleau Forest.
- Six arrests have been made regarding the wildfires, which scorched more than 2,000 hectares southeast of Paris, forcing closure of the A6 motorway and evacuation of about 1,000 residents.
- The suspect, aged 18, initially confessed to "setting fire to twigs with a lighter and petrol" before later retracting his admission, Prosecutor Diane Ngomsik stated.
- With 950 firefighters remaining on duty Thursday, crews continue utilizing a Dash water-bombing aircraft to fully extinguish the blaze, which French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit today.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 32,000 hectares have burned across France since the start of this year, surpassing the entire 2025 fire season, with nine departments on high alert.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayVolunteer firefighter held over suspected blaze in France’s Fontainebleau forest
FONTAINEBLEAU (France), July 16 — A volunteer firefighter who was suspected of starting a fire in France’s historic Fontainebleau forest, was placed under formal investigation and remanded in custody on Wednesday, a prosecutor said.The suspect, aged 18, initially confessed to “setting fire to twigs with a lighter and petrol” before retracting his confession, Diane Ngomsik told AFP, confirming a report on BFMTV.In all, six people have been arrest…
An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, suspected of leaving a fire in the forest of Fontainebleau, was charged and placed in pre-trial detention.
An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, suspected of leaving fire on Monday in the forest of Fontainebleau, was charged and placed in pre-trial detention on Wednesday evening, has been reported to prosecutor Diane Ngomsik. ...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
