Several people arrested on suspicion of deliberate fires in Rhône and Hérault
Suspects were taken into police custody after lighting several vegetation fires in south-eastern France, mobilising dozens of firefighters.
Several people arrested on suspicion of deliberate fires in Rhône and Hérault
Individuals suspected of starting forest fires have been arrested in two departments in south-eastern France. These arrests come as scorching temperatures raise the risk of fires breaking out.
In the Rhône department, a man was taken into police custody on Monday 6 July. He allegedly set fire to several wooded areas in Solaize the previous day. These incidents, quickly contained, nevertheless required the intervention of 71 firefighters and 26 vehicles. Around 150 local residents had to be evacuated. The Lyon prosecutor's office opened an investigation for "destruction by fire of wood, forest, heath, scrubland or plantation belonging to another person that could cause damage to persons". The investigation is being conducted by the gendarmerie of Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon.
In Hérault, several arrests also took place on Sunday. Prefect Chantal Mauchet indicated that suspicion fell on certain fire outbreaks, notably near Bédarieux. A suspect was apprehended in Servian and taken into police custody. He is accused of starting several fires. Another fire, which occurred in Carlencas-et-Levas, devastated 250 hectares on Monday morning; authorities also suspect a criminal act.
Seven departments in southern France are placed on "very high" fire risk alert level, and 41 others on "high" level.
Source: France Info
Source: France Info