Macron toughens stance on arson as wildfires sweep France
- French President Emmanuel Macron has said there would be "zero tolerance" for arson after France was hit by wildfires that have scorched thousands of hectares.
- Dozens of people have been arrested across the country over starting fires deliberately or by accident as multiple intense heatwaves since May have dried out forests and fields.
- Issued on: 16/07/2026 - 14:54 2 min Reading time Around 35,000 hectares (nearly 86,500 acres) have been impacted by fires -- more than during the entire 2025 fire season, according to authorities.
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- French President Emmanuel Macron has said there would be "zero tolerance" for arson after France was hit by wildfires that have scorched thousands of hectares.
- Dozens of people have been arrested across the country over starting fires deliberately or by accident as multiple intense heatwaves since May have dried out forests and fields.
- Issued on: 16/07/2026 - 14:54 2 min Reading time Around 35,000 hectares (nearly 86,500 acres) have been impacted by fires -- more than during the entire 2025 fire season, according to authorities.
Sources: RFI