18-year-old firefighter started the fire in Fontainebleau

©Caleb Cook via Unsplash

Shocking details are coming to light regarding the severe wildfire currently ravaging the Fontainebleau forest in France.

In the case surrounding the wildfires in the Fontainebleau Forest in France, a volunteer firefighter has emerged as a suspect. According to the prosecutor’s office, the 18-year-old man has confessed to starting one of the fires himself, in a case that French authorities are continuing to unravel. The fires, which broke out on Sunday, July 12, have reduced a total of more than 2,000 hectares of forest to ashes. Although the fire is now under control, it has not yet been completely extinguished, and the efforts of the fire department, civil protection, and aerial support remain as intense as ever.

Six people arrested

Six people were arrested on Tuesday as part of the investigation. Two of them admitted to being involved in new fire outbreaks. The volunteer firefighter, who has no criminal record, stated that he used a lighter and gasoline to set twigs on fire in Arbonne-la-Forêt. A second young man said he accidentally caused a fire by discarding a cigarette near La Faisanderie. The first fire, near the A6, is being investigated separately. Among other things, authorities are examining whether construction work along or near the highway may have sparked the fire. The prosecutor emphasizes that all possibilities remain open, including both accidental and intentional arson.

Young firefighter started the fire himself

The arrest of the young volunteer has caused great consternation in Fontainebleau and the surrounding area. Local firefighters express shock and anger: someone who is supposed to protect lives and nature may have just contributed to its destruction. The Seine-et-Marne Fire Department has since suspended the individual in question and described the incident, if proven, as a betrayal of the public and the values of the fire service. The legal consequences are also severe. In France, unintentional arson can result in up to two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros. For intentional arson, the penalty rises to ten years and 150,000 euros. If there are casualties, even life imprisonment is possible.

According to French figures, 59 people have already been arrested in connection with arson since the beginning of this month. It is striking that all of them are men, often young suspects, a large proportion of whom are minors.

©Caleb Cook via Unsplash - illustrative image