French authorities record over 14,000 fire starts as arson arrests surpass 400

French authorities have reported 14,540 fires or fire starts across the country since the beginning of the wildfire season. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that law enforcement officers have arrested 402 individuals, including 156 minors, in connection with the blazes. Of those detained, 36 people remain in custody either awaiting trial or serving sentences.

The announcement follows containment efforts in the Aude department, where firefighters stabilized a 100-hectare wildfire near Montséret. Meanwhile, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on 17 August to launch reconstruction plans for areas impacted by recent megafires. Environmental estimates indicate French wildfires have generated nearly four million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions since January, surpassing levels recorded during previous severe fire seasons.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info