A ‘rogue’ firefighter has been accused of starting a series of wildfires in the south of France because he was bored in his ‘oppressive family environment’.
The volunteer, 37, from the Herault region, was arrested and placed in police custody on July 27.
The Montpellier public prosecutor said in a statement on Thursday that the man had admitted starting fires with a lighter on May 26, July 21 and the night of July 26-27.
Fabrice Belargent stated: “Asked why he did this, he said that he was trying to get help from the fire brigade in an attempt to escape an abusive family situation and the joy these interventions brought him.
‘Adrenaline he called it – these are his own words. He stated that he was in desperate need of social recognition.
Aerial view from July 29 showing smoke rising above trees following wildfires in the Forest near Landiras (southwestern France).
The man has been a forestry engineer for 20 years and is a municipal councillor in Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière.
His charges include the destruction of forest, moors and scrubland belonging to other people under circumstances likely to expose them to bodily harm.
If found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a €150,000 (£125,000) fine.
Marie Bar, Marie Bar’s lawyer said to BFM TV that he had apologised for his actions to firemen with whom he worked, as they were his large family. It is clear that he is very dedicated to his job.
Photo of a firefighter trying to put out a fire on a land in Landiras in France’s Gironde Region. He has not been linked to the firefighter, who was arrested
“He can’t explain it. It is a relief to him that he was arrested. It was an addiction, he says.
A wildfire erupted along the Ardeche River in southwest France on Wednesday. It swept across 750 ha in one day.
The evacuation of two factories from the tiny town Lavilledieu was also done to an animal refuge as well as camping areas. Vogue Village is currently being evacuated.
Gerard Saucles (the mayor of Lavilledieu) said that the fire started between 8.30 to 8.45 and progressed quickly due to strong winds.
This month saw wildfires engulf more than 22,000 hectares of Gironde’s southwestern region. France also experienced record-breaking temperatures.