In France, 420 people suspected of causing forest fires have been detained. However, it has not yet been confirmed that all of them deliberately set the fires. BBC reported this.
It is noted that France is currently experiencing forest fires that have caused the greatest damage since the end of World War II. As a result of the fires, more than 300 thousand acres, or 121 thousand hectares, have been damaged in the country.
According to data, 420 people are suspected of causing the fires intentionally or through negligence. Among them are 166 minors.
In some cases, strict measures have been taken against the suspects.
For example, in the Var department in southeastern France, a 23-year-old man is suspected of deliberately setting 10 fires over five days. If his guilt is proven in court, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 150,000 euros.
In the Vosges region, a person accused of starting three forest fires has been sentenced to 3 years in prison.
At the same time, some lawyers note that the number of arrests in cases related to the fires is excessively high.
Experts note that the majority of forest fires in France are linked to human factors. Construction work, faulty electrical equipment, cigarette butts, and barbecues are cited as possible causes of fires.
Additionally, high air temperatures, drought, and strong winds are creating conditions for the rapid spread of fires. Experts stress that the risk of such extreme events is increasing due to climate change.
French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, said that now is not the time for criticism.
"We must adapt to the new conditions of climate change and change our approach to restoring forests. The time will come to review the lessons learned," said Macron.
