Hundreds of Firefighters Battle Flames Near French Capital

French authorities have evacuated residents and deployed hundreds of firefighters as a wildfire described as being of “exceptional scale” continues to burn through the Fontainebleau Forest, south of Paris.

The fast moving blaze has spread rapidly through the historic forest, threatening nearby homes and prompting precautionary evacuations in affected communities.

Emergency services are working around the clock to contain the fire, supported by aerial firefighting aircraft and ground crews seeking to prevent the flames from reaching more densely populated areas.

Authorities have also closed several roads surrounding the affected region and urged residents to comply with evacuation orders and avoid travelling near the wildfire zone.

Officials say firefighting operations remain ongoing as crews continue working to bring the blaze under control and assess the full extent of the damage.