162 Arrested in France Over Suspected Wildfire-Related Offenses in 20 Days

French authorities have arrested 162 people in just 20 days over allegations of causing or fueling wildfires through negligence, recklessness, or deliberate arson, as the country battles one of its worst wildfire seasons on record.

French Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the figures in a post on X on Sunday, saying the arrests were made between July 6 and July 20.

“We have instructed law enforcement to identify those responsible for starting wildfires,” Lecornu said. “They will be found, arrested, and held accountable before the courts.”

France has experienced an unprecedented wave of wildfires since the beginning of 2026. Between January and July, authorities recorded 13,566 wildfire incidents, which have burned approximately 116,085 hectares of land across the country — the highest level of destruction ever recorded.

The previous record was set in 2022, when wildfires destroyed about 72,000 hectares of land.

According to Lecornu, nine out of every ten wildfires in France are caused by human activity. Common causes include discarded cigarette butts, barbecues in high-risk areas, and unsafe construction activities carried out without proper precautions.

The minister also warned that anyone found guilty of intentionally starting a wildfire could face up to 15 years in prison under French law.

France continues to battle multiple wildfires amid extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions, with firefighters remaining on high alert across several regions.

Source: Anadolu Agency.