France: 24 People Arrested Since June on Suspicion of Arson

Paris  – Twenty-five people have been arrested in France since the beginning of summer on suspicion of arson, in light of the recent spread of massive forest fires across the country, local media reported on Tuesday.

Among the people arrested, four have been sentenced and six remain in custody, BFMTV broadcaster reported, quoting a law enforcement source.

In July, heat and drought caused severe wildfires in France’s Gironde, where fires destroyed over 20,000 hectares of forest​​​.

48,000 hectares of forest have already been destroyed by fires in France since the beginning of the year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, cited by Le Monde newspaper.

France spent 6.6 million euros ($6.7 million) in 10 days to extinguish the wildfires.