Double fire near Lyon controlled, arson suspected

Firefighters on Thursday morning continued to monitor a wooded area west of Lyon, France, where a double blaze had been brought under control the previous evening. The fires, which ignited simultaneously on Wednesday, consumed two hectares of vegetation near the Col de Malval.

About 30 water drops from a helicopter and the efforts of 83 firefighters with 18 vehicles were needed to contain the flames. The fires started on two distinct spots on either side of the Col de la Fausse. Fortunately, a lack of wind prevented the flames from spreading to nearby scattered homes, and no residents had to be evacuated.

Authorities are investigating the incidents as arson. Several small fires had reportedly been spotted in the area earlier in the summer. Firefighting operations continued after the blaze was controlled to prevent any flare-ups.