dpa

(TNS)

Paris — Six people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a devastating fire broke out in the famous Fontainebleau forest south of Paris.

Two men, including a volunteer firefighter, admitted to helping cause the blaze, according to the public prosecutor's office, French media reported on Tuesday.

The local firefighter confessed to having started a fire in a pile of brushwood using a lighter and petrol, though his motive was initially unknown. 

The other man reportedly unintentionally contributed to the outbreak by discarding a cigarette butt.

Around 850 firefighters and four water-bombing aircraft are continuing to battle the fire in the forest area around 60 kilometres south of Paris. The area is also home to the Château de Fontainebleau. 

Around 2,250 hectares have already been affected by the flames.

The fire broke out on the edge of a motorway late on Sunday afternoon. 

Around 800 local residents have since been evacuated. No casualties have been reported so far.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the nation's gratitude to "our firefighters and rescue workers who are fighting the fires today."

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