Two firefighting planes have been deployed to combat a large wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest, about 60km south-east of Paris. The blaze, described by officials as "virulent" and of "exceptional scale," has spread across 800 hectares and partially closed France's main north-south highway.
Firefighting efforts and travel disruptions
The Paris region is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures nearing record highs. This marks the first time firefighting planes, typically used in southern France, have been sent to the Paris area, according to Eric Brocardi of France's national federation of firefighters. Two helicopters and an observation aircraft have also been deployed to contain the fire.
A separate fire blocked a highway east of Paris and disrupted high-speed train services, causing delays of up to six hours at Gare de Lyon. The heatwave has also forced the temporary shutdown of three nuclear power stations to prevent warm cooling water from entering overheated waterways.
Broader impact of Europe's heatwave
The Tour de France shortened Sunday's stage by 30km as temperatures approached 40C. Wildfires have also struck other parts of Europe, including Spain, where at least 13 people died in a blaze in Almeria. In the UK, a large wildfire in north Wales was declared a major incident, with firefighters battling multiple fires across England and Wales.
