Over 300 arrested in France this summer on suspicion of starting fires

Police and gendarmes have arrested 308 people across France this summer – including 120 minors – over suspicion of starting fires.

This includes arsonists and those who accidentally begin blazes. In Dordogne, a man was arrested after burning garden waste on his property last week, sparking a fire.

Of those arrested, 33 have already been convicted or are in pre-trial detention.

Forest patrols have been strengthened in a bid to catch arsonists.

A recent survey by Ipsos BVA revealed that 17% of smokers in France throw their cigarettes out of the window while driving. This comes despite 87% of respondents believing this was a major cause of wildfires.

The huge wildfire in Gironde remains stable for a fifth successive day, with authorities hoping to tackle areas seeing persistent fire outbreaks today.

Weather conditions last night were ‘favourable’ with a drop in temperatures and increase in humidity, and another day of calm weather is expected in the department helping firefighters carry out dousing exercises.