France arrests 32 suspected arsonists as July wildfires threaten Pyrénées‑Orientales

The French interior minister announced that 32 people suspected of deliberately starting forest fires have been arrested in 22 departments since the start of the summer, after a series of blazes across the country, including a 4,900‑hectare fire in Millas, a 4,000‑hectare blaze in Drôme and a 900‑hectare incident in Indre. President Emmanuel Macron warned that nine out of ten fire ignitions are caused by human activity and called for greater vigilance.

On July 9, three new forest and grass fires erupted on the outskirts of Perpignan in the Pyrénées‑Orientales. One blaze spread to the edge of the regional airport, prompting a temporary suspension of flights until smoke and flame risks subsided. Authorities deployed ground crews, bulldozers, water‑tankers and aerial support, and imposed road closures and evacuation precautions for nearby facilities such as an animal shelter.

The coordinated response underscores French efforts to curb arson‑related wildfires and protect public safety during a particularly dry and windy season.