A 53-year-old man confessed to igniting a large fire in south-west France that scorched more than 1,100 hectares. The fire, exacerbated by strong winds, endangered homes, disrupted transportation, and injured seven firefighters. The man also admitted to starting two other fires during the summer drought of 2022. He was sentenced to six years in prison and five years of probation. Motivated by unhappiness and a fascination with fire, he revealed a history of starting over 30 fires since adolescence. Concern over reoffending led to mandated treatment and community service.
I had urges, as if a voice was commanding me,” he told investigators, according to reports in L'Indépendant.
The prosecutor described the defendant as a 'pathological arsonist' and expressed concern about the risk of reoffending.
The anxiety and trauma the blaze caused is still fresh in the minds of residents. 'There is a before and after,' he insisted.
He claimed to have started more than 30 fires since his teenage years.
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