Almost 500 people have been arrested in France on suspicion of starting wildfires since the beginning of summer. The French interior ministry confirmed that 474 individuals, including 183 minors, have been detained over wildfires in the country since July 1.
These arrests come as firefighters in several European countries are battling intense blazes amid a record-breaking heatwave. Approximately 70% of those arrested in France are suspected of deliberately starting fires, with the remainder believed to have done so accidentally.
In the south-west French region of Landes, more than 525 people were evacuated from the village of Luglon on Friday after a new wildfire consumed almost 1,100 hectares of pine forest in less than 24 hours. Regional official Gilles Clavreul stated that the situation is "unfavourable and the fire remains raging," with 500 firefighters and six water-dumping aircraft deployed.
Elsewhere in Europe, wildfires have led to evacuations and damage. In western Germany, over 2,000 people fled their homes due to a wildfire near the village of Gey. In Croatia, a blaze in Lokva Rogoznica forced about 1,000 evacuations and injured several dozen people. Wildfires also intensified in north-east and southern Spain, and in northern Greece, approximately 500 holidaymakers were evacuated from beaches.
In the UK, wildfires in the West Midlands have destroyed several houses, described by regional fire chief Simon Tuhill as "one of the most significant" incidents for the region's fire service.