Two suspects in arson cases have been arrested in France amid widespread wildfires
France continues to battle large-scale wildfires, and the fire danger level in the country remains high. Currently, the largest fire is burning in the commune of Tréviyac in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The fire has already engulfed at least 4,600 hectares and continues to spread rapidly.
“Major fires are breaking out in southern France. Nearly 14,500 hectares have already been burned this season, which is almost three times more than during the same period last year,” said French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
In the Hérault and Rhône departments, two men were arrested on suspicion of a series of arson attacks. One of them, about 20 years old, was apprehended by law enforcement at the scene of the crime with a can of fuel and a lighter. According to investigators, he may be involved in nine additional fires.
The other, a 29-year-old man, is suspected of starting eight fires, which led to the evacuation of about 70 people.
Authorities are urging the public to follow fire safety rules, as the risk of new forest fires remains very high in many regions of France due to hot and dry weather.
This was reported by BFMTV.
As a reminder, nearly 3,000 people were evacuated in southern France due to large-scale wildfires.
In addition, on the evening of July 4, a large-scale wildfire also broke out near the Greek city of Thessaloniki. Due to strong winds and the rugged terrain, the fire quickly spread to residential and industrial areas.
