A fire of exceptional magnitude has ravaged more than 16,000 hectares in the Aude department. Whilst the flames have been brought under control, the investigation is focusing on a potentially arson-related cause. This theory is provoking anger and bewilderment.
The Aude department has just experienced one of the most dramatic events in its recent history. First reported on 5 August in Ribaute, the fire consumed more than 16,000 hectares of woodland, scrubland and farmland in less than 24 hours, making this the the largest ever recorded in France in over 70 years. Although the fire brigade finally managed to bring the flames under control last Sunday, they remain on high alert to prevent the fire from reigniting.
On Wednesday 13 August, the public prosecutor in Montpellier stated that the cause of the fire “may have been criminal”, raising numerous questions about the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire. A specialist investigation team has been deployed to analyse the burnt area, which is being treated as an open-air crime scene.
A criminal investigation has been launched
According to preliminary findings from the investigation, the cause of the fire is believed to be of human origin. A very small area, probably measuring just a few square metres, has been identified as the point of origin. Officers from the RCCI unit (which investigates the causes and circumstances of fires) are carrying out a meticulous investigation to determine whether this was a deliberate act or the result of gross negligence.
The authorities are not ruling out any possibilities. In this drought-prone region, even the slightest cigarette butt, barbecue or spark can cause an uncontrollable blaze. However, the fact that several fires broke out simultaneously, coupled with the absence of any obvious natural causes, is fuelling suspicions.
A devastating human and environmental toll
In addition to the vast area affected, the fire claimed the life of a woman in her sixties, left 24 people injured – including 19 firefighters – and destroyed around thirty homes, vehicles and agricultural buildings. The Corbières landscape, rich in biodiversity, has been severely scarred: thousands of hectares of pine forests, garrigue, wetlands and vineyards have been destroyed by fire.
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