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Route du Soleil fire: A6 to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Samuel Boivin
The wildfires in and around the Fontainebleau region of France continue to disrupt traffic and vacation plans. The busy A6, better known as the Autoroute du Soleil, will remain closed in both directions between Soisy-sur-École and Nemours on Tuesday and Wednesday as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.
According to French authorities, the fire in the Fontainebleau forest, southeast of Paris, has now grown into a blaze of exceptional magnitude. On Tuesday morning, the fire department reported that approximately 1,920 hectares had already been reduced to ashes, more than 7 percent of the total forest area. Hundreds of firefighters are still hard at work and hope to bring the fire under control later today with the support of Canadair water-bombing aircraft and more favorable weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the highway remained one of the fire’s biggest victims in terms of traffic disruption. Concession holder APRR confirmed that the A6 will remain closed “indefinitely” and will not reopen on Tuesday or Wednesday. According to the authorities, reopening will only be possible after a thorough inspection of the road surface and the surrounding area to ensure that motorists are not put at risk again.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot is calling for “very severe” penalties for arsonists. Across France, dozens of people have recently been arrested on suspicion of arson. In connection with the fire in Fontainebleau, two suspects were arrested, including an 18-year-old man who was carrying a lighter and whose hands were covered in soot.
The fire not only disrupted traffic but also forced residents and tourists in the area to evacuate. Although some train services have resumed, the situation in the region remains uncertain. The combination of persistent heat, strong winds, and dry vegetation means that firefighters and authorities must remain on high alert for days to come.
©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Samuel Boivin