France records over 14,000 wildfires and 402 arrests since the season began
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez gave figures on fires, detainees and ongoing operations, with the Var blaze described as the longest in the department’s history.
France has recorded about 14,000 wildfires since the start of the season and security services have arrested 402 people for causing fires either deliberately or through negligence, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said today.
Among those taken into custody are 156 minors and 36 people who remain held in pre-trial detention. The minister gave the figures while authorities continued firefighting operations in several departments.
Ongoing blazes and resources
Fires in the Gironde and Aude departments have been brought under control, while crews are still battling flames in the Var department. Nuñez warned that the Var fire is exceptional for its duration.
“the 'longest forest fire ever recorded' in that department,” Nuñez said, noting the blaze has been burning for 15 days.
Some 1,250 firefighters remain engaged in suppression efforts, supported by two Canadair water-bombers and two firefighting helicopters. Authorities also reported that the fire danger warning for Gironde has been lowered from the highest (red) level to orange.
Photo: press material from the event
