The 40-year-old who confessed to having caused several fires that ravaged 1,200 hectares on Wednesday and Thursday in Ardèche was indicted and placed in pre-trial detention, announced the Privas prosecution. This 44-year-old man was arrested and placed in police custody on Wednesday, presenting a “significant alcohol level”.
The 40-year-old who confessed to having caused several fires that ravaged 1,200 hectares on Wednesday and Thursday in Ardèche was indicted and remanded in custody, announced the Privas prosecution. This 44-year-old man was arrested and placed in police custody on Wednesday, presenting a “significant alcohol level”. He had confessed “confronted with the numerous testimonies collected by the investigators” establishing his presence and that of his car on the start of the fires, the prosecution had indicated on Thursday. He was indicted for arson, “a crime punishable by 15 years’ imprisonment,” said Privas prosecutor Cécile Deprade in a brief statement.
12 outbreaks of fires observed
A total of 12 fire starts were observed on Wednesday in Ardèche, in particular in Lussas, near Aubenas. These fires covered 1,200 hectares without causing any casualties, mobilizing up to 600 men. Ardèche. “You have to be careful with the heat and the winds that come back on Saturday morning”, however warned this official.