Kathmandu— French police have detained 420 people across the country for allegedly starting wildfires through deliberate actions or serious negligence, as France grapples with one of its most devastating wildfire seasons since World War II. The blazes, fueled by prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions, have consumed nearly 120,000 hectares of land and prompted the evacuation of over 224,000 people. Investigations reveal that human activity is responsible for approximately nine out of ten wildfires in France, encompassing cases of suspected arson as well as fires sparked by carelessness.

Widespread Detentions and Demographic Trends

The Interior Ministry reported the detention of 420 individuals linked to the wildfires. A preliminary review of 80 suspects revealed a predominantly male demographic, with 97.5% being male and an average age of 32.5 years old. The group included students, repeat offenders, and even volunteer firefighters among those accused of igniting the blazes.

Motives Behind Arson and Negligence

Alleged motives for starting the fires vary widely, ranging from revenge and financial gain to seeking attention or deliberately challenging authorities. Experts indicate that clinical pyromania accounts for less than 5% of fire starters. One case involves a 23-year-old unemployed man accused of igniting approximately ten vegetation fires in the Var department between July 19 and 24, facing up to 15 years imprisonment and a €150,000 fine if convicted.

Cases Highlight Reckless Behavior

Several cases highlight the role of negligence in sparking wildfires. A volunteer firefighter confessed to igniting small fires with gasoline and a lighter before retracting his statement, while another man claimed he accidentally started a fire by discarding a cigarette. Both individuals were indicted and placed in pretrial detention. Renaud Gaudeul, a Bordeaux prosecutor, emphasized that even seemingly minor actions like throwing away a lit cigarette or lighting barbecues in wooded areas can have devastating consequences during dry periods.

Drought Conditions Exacerbate Fire Risk

Fire investigator Eric Dufayet explained the heightened risk posed by current conditions. “In periods of drought such as this one, all you need is a simple lighter,” he stated, underscoring how easily small ignition sources can escalate into large-scale wildfires due to exceptionally dry vegetation.

French authorities continue to investigate the causes of the wildfires and pursue legal action against those responsible. The ongoing crisis underscores the increasing threat posed by climate change and the importance of preventative measures.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.