Almost 500 arrested on suspicion of starting wildfires in France this summer
Summary
Nearly 500 people in France have been arrested since July for suspected involvement in starting wildfires, with about 70% accused of arson. Meanwhile, firefighters are battling large wildfires in several European countries, including France, Germany, and Croatia, amid an intense heatwave causing dry conditions and spreading fires.Key Facts
- Since July 1, 474 people, including 183 minors, have been arrested in France for starting wildfires.
- About 70% of those arrested in France are suspected of deliberately setting fires.
- A wildfire near Luglon, France, caused the evacuation of over 525 people and burned 1,100 hectares in less than 24 hours.
- Large wildfires also affected western Germany’s Hürtgen forest and Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, forcing evacuations and causing injuries.
- Explosions from old World War II ammunition hampered firefighting efforts in Germany.
- Europe is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with many regions reaching temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and some above 35°C (95°F).
- Scientists link the increase in wildfires and extreme heat to climate change, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average.
- The fires in France recently forced the evacuation of around 220,000 people and destroyed over 50,000 hectares of forest.
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