Pakistan, July 13 -- France deployed water-bombing aircraft on Monday to help contain a major wildfire near the historic Fontainebleau forest south of Paris. The blaze has burned more than 800 hectares, forced the closure of a key motorway, and disrupted rail services. Authorities continue emergency operations as extreme heat fuels wildfire risks across Western Europe.

More than 400 firefighters worked overnight to contain the fire, which broke out near the A6 motorway linking Paris with Lyon and southern France. Strong winds and high temperatures accelerated the blaze through the forest surrounding Fontainebleau. Officials warned residents that Canadair aircraft would collect water from the River Seine to support firefighting efforts. ...