Update: 59 detained in France over wildfires, heatwave alerts persist

At least 59 people have been detained across France on suspicion of causing wildfire outbreaks, as authorities investigate the role of human activity in the country’s severe ongoing fire season.

This includes two people detained in relation to a fire in Fontainebleau, close to Paris, where nearly 2,000 hectares has burned in an ongoing blaze.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez provided an updated figure in a press conference on Monday (July 13), after reports over the weekend that 32 people had been detained.

“Those unacceptable behaviours, which generate disastrous consequences and mobilise our firefighters at the risk of their lives, now fall under the responsibility of the justice system,” said Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on July 11. “We will not let anything pass.”

The cases do not all involve suspected arson. Authorities are investigating a range of circumstances, including accidental fires and deliberate acts.

More than 8,000 wildfire outbreaks have been recorded since the start of 2026, with more than 32,000 hectares burned, according to Mr Nuñez.

This means more damage has already been recorded from wildfires this year than across the entirety of 2025.

On Tuesday morning (July 14), a major fire at Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne) continues to burn, with 850 firefighters and 4 Canadair planes tackling the blaze.

Two people have been detained in relation to the fire, including an 18-year-old found near the site with a lighter.

Around 1,000 people have been evacuated from the area due to the fire.

An initial main blaze has caused much of the damage, but a second fire also started yesterday evening in the area, with the two combining to make the situation difficult for firefighters.

Two French Army bulldozers have been called in to help flatten terrain in the area to make it easier for firefighters, who hope to bring the fires under control today.

Elsewhere, a blaze in Saint-Bonnet-Laval (Lozère) is now under control after 120 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze.

Our article providing an overview of the fires ongoing in France today is available here.

Heatwave conditions continue, up to 40C in south-west

The risk of fires is also exacerbated by heatwave conditions, with 26 departments facing red-level alerts today.

Highs of 30C - 37C in the north, and up to 40C in the south-west have kept heightened alerts in place over much of the country.

In particular, high night-time temperatures, well over 20C across almost all of the country and 24C in urbanised cities, are contributing to the warnings as people and buildings are unable to cool down at night.

Conditions in the west are set to ease slightly over the coming days, with temperatures above 40C no longer forecast.

Currently, Météo France is expected to lift all red-level warnings tomorrow morning, signalling the most extreme period of the heatwave is over.

However, the epicentre of the heatwave will move south and east, impacting the Mediterranean and Rhône Valley, where formerly yellow warnings will begin to increase to orange alerts.

Nine out of 10 fires linked to human activity

President Emmanuel Macron said nine out of 10 wildfire were caused by human activity, whether through negligence or deliberate action.

“One second of carelessness can threaten families, put those who protect us in danger and destroy our landscapes,” he said on X.

Around one third of those detained are minors, according to news outlet BFM. 

However, investigators are examining a wide range of cases, with some fires believed to have been accidental, including those linked to barbecues or agricultural equipment, while others involve suspected deliberate acts or personal disputes.

In Hérault, a 27-year-old man with a previous conviction was arrested after a fire near Lunas. Prosecutors said he later admitted accidentally starting the blaze while burning a personal letter.

Three of the people detained have been placed in pre-trial detention, and some suspects are reported to have previous links to fire-setting.

Authorities urge caution during high-risk period

Fire officials have repeatedly warned that everyday activities can trigger devastating blazes during periods of heat and drought.

People are advised not to use barbecues near vegetation, to dispose of cigarette ends safely and to avoid work that could create sparks close to dry grass or woodland.

With France recording unusually high levels of wildfire activity this year, authorities say preventing human-caused fires remains one of the most effective ways to reduce pressure on emergency services.