Arrest of man in his fifties after fire in Pyrénées-Orientales
A 49-year-old man has been arrested and remanded in custody, suspected of starting a fire that destroyed 90 hectares in Rivesaltes.
Arrest of man in his fifties after fire in Pyrénées-Orientales
Police arrested a 49-year-old man on Thursday afternoon, suspected of starting a fire in Rivesaltes, on the outskirts of Perpignan. The intervention took place at around 5pm, shortly after the flames appeared. Investigators were alerted by witnesses who observed suspicious behaviour and deliberate ignition of vegetation, according to franceinfo citing ICI Roussillon.
The public prosecutor's office opened proceedings for "destruction of property by fire using a method dangerous to persons". The police detention was to be extended, with a decision on further action expected the following day.
The fire devastated 90 hectares of vegetation. Perpignan airport temporarily ceased operations. Sensitive sites had to be evacuated, notably a reception area for travellers and a shelter of the SPA. Nearly 150 firefighters were deployed, assisted by aircraft partially diverted from another fire in Trévillach, where 4,900 hectares burned. The fire was under control by Friday midday and extinguishing operations continued.
Source: France Info