Hundreds arrested over French wildfires, but who is to blame?

France has arrested hundreds of people in connection with wildfires that have scorched over 300,000 acres this summer, marking the most extensive damage since World War Two. While climate change is cited as a primary factor due to rising global temperatures from fossil fuel burning, authorities are focusing on human causes, as records indicate nine out of ten French wildfires are started by people.

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I was amazed at the number of arrests, it feels excessive.

The interior ministry announced 420 arrests, including 166 minors, for alleged deliberate or accidental fire-starting. One 23-year-old man faces 15 years in prison and a significant fine for allegedly starting 10 fires in five days. Other individuals have received immediate jail sentences, though some prosecutions, like those of a homeless man and a person with autism for discarding cigarette butts, have been criticized as excessive and unjust.

Lawyer Muriel Gestas, representing several accused individuals, expressed surprise at the number of arrests and doubts many will result in convictions. Le Monde also questions the thoroughness of police investigations, particularly given the short time frame. The lack of official details on charges and comparisons with past seasons hinders meaningful analysis.

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The conditions for a charge of endangering lives are met for those who throw a cigarette butt or light a barbecue in wooded areas. It only takes a tiny spark for it to start.

However, Bordeaux prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul defended a firm approach, stating that conditions for endangering lives are met for actions like discarding cigarette butts or using barbecues in dry, wooded areas. Fire investigation officer Eric Dufayet explained that determining the origin of a fire involves mapping its spread, often a "V" shape in steady winds, and tracing it back. Deliberate fire-starters may use multiple ignition devices, increasing the chance of forensic evidence like DNA or fingerprints being found. Experts estimate arson accounts for a small fraction of all fires.

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If someone deliberately starts a fire, they may not have used only one device.