Hundreds arrested on suspicion of arson in France as wildfires rage across Europe
Authorities in France have arrested nearly 500 people on suspicion of arson as wildfires spread across several European nations during a record-breaking heatwave. The fires have caused fatalities, mass evacuations, and significant damage to infrastructure and nature reserves across the continent.
Why it matters
The combination of extreme weather and human-caused fires highlights the growing vulnerability of European infrastructure and ecosystems to climate-driven disasters.
A wildfire burns near Omiš, Croatia. Photograph: Jakov Prkic/CROPIX/SIPA/Shutterstock A wildfire burns near Omiš, Croatia. Photograph: Jakov Prkic/CROPIX/SIPA/Shutterstock France Hundreds arrested on suspicion of arson in France as wildfires rage across Europe One person killed and hundreds evacuated in Croatia as blazes also hit Germany, Greece and Spain
Prefer the Guardian on Google Almost 500 people have been arrested on suspicion of starting wildfires in France since the start of the summer, authorities have said, as firefighters in half a dozen European countries tackle ferocious blazes amid a record-breaking heatwave.
A fire engulfed homes in a Croatian holiday resort on Friday, killing one person, injuring 40 and forcing 1,200 to evacuate, officials said, as the EU warned that pockets of “very extreme” wildfire conditions stretched across the continent.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in