Hundreds arrested over French wildfires, but who is to blame?

France is grappling with its worst wildfire season in decades, with authorities arresting over 400 people for alleged involvement in the infernos. However, critics question the severity of the legal response and the true impact of these prosecutions. According to the government, humans are responsible for nine out of every ten wildfires, but they are also under pressure to improve their preparedness for such disasters.

Among the 420 arrests, 166 minors and a 23-year-old man who allegedly started ten fires in five days face severe penalties. Some prosecutions have been criticized as excessive, such as those handed to a homeless man and someone with severe autism for minor offenses like throwing cigarette butts. Experts believe that arson accounts for a small fraction of the fires, with the majority being accidental due to factors like dry conditions and human activities.

The exact circumstances surrounding each case remain unclear, leaving the public with many questions about the extent of the government's response to the wildfires.