On 10 August, a man suspected of having started several arson attacks in Puygouzon, in the Tarn, was arrested by officers from the Réalmont brigade. Their swift action brought an end to a series of fires that had been affecting crops and woodland since the end of June.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had used a simple lighter and dry grass to start the fires. After being taken into custody, he admitted to the offences and described his methods in detail.
Fire statistics
- 25–26 June: 4 hectares of wheat destroyed
- 30 July: 2 hectares of forest burnt
- A previous fire in 2023, also acknowledged by the author
Swift sentencing
After being brought before the court, the man was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, comprising six months to be served without parole, to be carried out under electronic tagging, and a six-month suspended sentence to be served on probation over a two-year period. The sentence also includes a requirement to undergo treatment and a ban on carrying a weapon for one year.
The Tarn gendarmerie, working in coordination with the local fire service, remains on standby to prevent further fires from breaking out in the region. To follow the latest developments regarding the current fires, please visit our lighting plan or report a fire via our reporting platform.