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In July 2026, France faced a significant environmental crisis as firefighters struggled to contain a massive wildfire in the Fontainebleau forest. Located sixty kilometres southeast of Paris, the blaze was described by authorities as virulent due to its rapid spread and exceptional scale. By the second day of the operation, the fire had already consumed 800 hectares of land, leading to the partial closure of a major north-south highway. Investigations into the origins of the disaster suggest a more sinister cause than just the weather. The Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, indicated that the fire might have been started intentionally. This suspicion led to the arrest of two individuals in connection with the Fontainebleau blaze, while 59 others were detained across France for similar acts of arson. Climate conditions have undoubtedly played a role in the severity of the situation. The Paris region is currently experiencing its third major heatwave of the year, following a summer of record-breaking temperatures across the European continent. These extreme weather patterns have left the landscape dangerously dry, providing the perfect fuel for a small flame to escalate into a catastrophic inferno. The gravity of the crisis is reflected in the unprecedented response from the French emergency services. For the first time in history, specialised firefighting aircraft were relocated from southern France—the traditional home of such resources—to support northern operations. Typically, the south is the primary focus for wildfire management; however, the northern regions are now equally vulnerable. Eric Brocardi, representing the national federation of firefighters, emphasised that the priority remains the protection of life and property. Alongside the planes, observation aircraft and helicopters are monitoring the situation from the air to coordinate efforts. As these intense heatwaves become a recurring feature of European summers, the event raises serious questions about environmental protection. Governments must now decide how to adapt their strategies to combat the twin threats of rising global temperatures and criminal negligence, ensuring that natural landmarks like Fontainebleau are preserved for future generations.

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

• A.To explain the history of the Fontainebleau forest.
• B.To report on a major wildfire and the factors surrounding it.
• C.To argue for stricter punishments for arsonists in France.
• D.To compare the climate of northern and southern France.

2. According to the text, why is the current firefighting operation considered ‘unprecedented’?

• A.It is the first time helicopters have been used to monitor a fire.
• B.The fire has destroyed more land than any other in French history.
• C.Equipment is being moved from the south to the north for the first time.
• D.The interior minister is personally leading the rescue mission.

3. What can be inferred about the cause of the Fontainebleau fire?

• A.It was caused by a lightning strike during a heatwave.
• B.It was an accidental fire started by tourists in the forest.
• C.Authorities believe it may have been a criminal act.
• D.It was a controlled burn that got out of hand.

4. Which word is closest in meaning to ‘virulent’ as used in the first paragraph?

• A.Poisonous
• B.Aggressive
• C.Unexpected
• D.Invisible

5. How does the author view the relationship between the weather and the fires?

• A.The weather is the only reason the fires started.
• B.Extreme heat has created conditions that allow fires to spread easily.
• C.Europe’s climate is actually becoming safer for forests.
• D.Heatwaves are a rare occurrence that firefighters were unprepared for.