Bangkok: A severe wildfire is raging near Paris, France. Wildfires ravaged a historic forest near Paris on Monday, forcing the closure of several highways and prompting the deployment of firefighting aircraft to control the blaze. France has dispatched hundreds of firefighters to control a rapidly spreading blaze along a highway near Fontainebleau, home to one of France's most famous royal palaces.
According to Thai News Agency, a wildfire in Fontainebleau, just 70 kilometers from Paris, has forced the closure of the A6 highway, a major route connecting Paris to Lyon and the southern areas. This marks the first time aircraft have been deployed to control the fire in the Parisian suburbs. Amphibious firefighting aircraft, the Canadare, are scooping water from the Seine River to help extinguish the blaze. Meanwhile, smaller fires in nearby areas have also affected high-speed train services. As many as 800 people have been evacuated from their homes.
Although officials had brought most of the fire under control by Monday afternoon, strong winds remained a significant obstacle to their operations. Interior Minister Laurent Nº±ez revealed that there are several suspicious circumstances surrounding the wildfire, with approximately 10 fire origins found within a 1,000-meter radius, suggesting arson. Police have already arrested two suspects in connection with the Fontainebleau wildfire.