A fast-moving wildfire near the A6 motorway has halted train traffic and forced road closures in Seine-et-Marne. Over 370 firefighters are battling the flames. Authorities maintain red heatwave alerts in 37 departments.
Emergency services in Seine-et-Marne are battling a series of wildfires that have severely disrupted transport links and prompted large-scale deployments of firefighters. The most critical blaze, described as "very virulent" by local authorities, broke out near the A6 motorway on Sunday evening, forcing the closure of key road sections and causing significant delays for both motorists and rail passengers.
According to the prefecture, more than 370 firefighters supported by 130 vehicles are engaged in efforts to contain multiple fire fronts. Reinforcements from neighboring departments and national aerial resources, including helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, arrived as the situation escalated. While no casualties have been reported, material damage has already been confirmed in affected areas.
The fire near Noisy-sur-Ecole has been particularly challenging, threatening nearby communities and making travel on the A6 nearly impossible. Drivers heading towards Lyon have been diverted at Cely, while those traveling to Paris must exit at Ury. Another fire in the Barbizon sector has been stabilized, but the situation in Fontainebleau remains active, with several hotspots still burning in a region known for its climbing sites, complicating firefighting operations.
Rail services have also been hit hard. The SNCF reported that high-speed trains on the Sud-Est line, including TGV Inoui, Lyria, and Ouigo, are experiencing delays of up to four hours and twenty minutes due to vegetation fires near the southern outskirts of Paris. Some trains are being rerouted, and cancellations are expected until normal operations resume later in the evening. Maintenance teams and firefighters are working together to secure the affected rail infrastructure.
Heatwave conditions continue to exacerbate the crisis. Météo-France has kept 37 departments under red alert for extreme temperatures, with eleven expected to downgrade to orange by 22:00. The agency notes only a gradual decrease in temperatures along the Atlantic coast, while the heatwave episode remains severe and persistent elsewhere.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 17,000 hectares of forest have already burned across France this season, with 250 new fire outbreaks recorded on Saturday alone. He also highlighted a concerning rise in drownings, with 139 deaths since June 19, marking an 18% increase compared to 2025.
In Fontainebleau forest, firefighting teams continue to monitor and contain active hotspots. Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier Compta of the Seine-et-Marne fire service confirmed that while the main fire front has been halted, several smaller blazes remain, particularly in areas popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Portions of the A6 in Seine-et-Marne and the A5 in Essonne remain closed as a precaution.
France has faced a series of severe incidents linked to extreme weather and natural disasters in recent years. For example, a deadly wildfire in Almería previously resulted in multiple fatalities after residents were trapped during an evacuation. Such events underscore the growing challenges posed by climate change and the increasing strain on emergency services during prolonged heatwaves.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across Europe, with France among the countries most affected by rising temperatures and drought. The combination of high winds, dry vegetation, and record heat has made fire prevention and rapid response a top priority for local and national authorities. The ongoing situation in Seine-et-Marne highlights the need for continued vigilance and investment in emergency infrastructure as climate risks intensify.
