Var wildfire suspect charged after admitting to starting multiple fires
A 23-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody after allegedly admitting to starting around ten fires linked to the recent Var wildfires, as investigations into the blazes continue.
A 23-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody after admitting to starting several wildfires in the Var, including one of the blazes linked to the major Gros Bessillon wildfire.
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The suspect was arrested last week as part of an investigation into a series of fires in the department.
According to Draguignan Public Prosecutor Pierre Couttenier, he confessed to starting around ten fires between 20 and 24 July in and around Pontevès, and is also suspected of involvement in two of the three flare-ups that occurred on 31 July.
Var Prefect Simon Babre confirmed on Monday that one of the wildfire flare-ups had been deliberately started, adding that the suspect had admitted responsibility for the blaze that broke out on 24 July.
A judicial investigation is now under way to determine the full extent of the suspect's involvement.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle the Gros Bessillon wildfire, which remains active despite significant progress.
Around 1,500 firefighters remain deployed to tackle lingering hotspots, with aerial support used to contain flare-ups, including one between Barjols and Châteauvert that required intervention from two Canadair water-bombing aircraft.
In total, the Draguignan Public Prosecutor's Office has opened 13 investigations linked to the recent wildfires. Authorities say every effort will be made to establish the causes of the fires and identify those responsible.