France arrests suspects as massive wildfires spread across the south

On July 7, 2026, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that six people suspected of starting forest fires were detained by the gendarmerie as a series of wildfires raged across southern France. The blaze near Perpignan has scorched about 4,900 ha, forcing the evacuation of 12,000 residents, while other fires continue in the Drôme, Gard, Lozère and Hérault departments.

Earlier, a large vegetation fire near Solaize, south of Lyon, destroyed roughly one hectare and led to the evacuation of around 150 river‑bank residents. Police arrested a man believed to have deliberately ignited multiple ignitions. Nationwide, about 800 firefighters, dozens of vehicles and dozens of gendarmes have been mobilised to contain the blazes.