402 detained in France over suspected links to wildfires

A total of 402 people, including 156 minors, have been detained since the start of summer on suspicion of involvement in wildfires across France, according to French media, cited by Report.

"As of today, security forces have detained 402 people in connection with intentional or unintentional arson," French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at a press conference.

The Interior Ministry said 14,000 fires have been recorded in the country since the start of summer, destroying 120,000 hectares of land. A fire has been raging in the Var department for two weeks, with 1,000 firefighters working to extinguish it.

An orange weather alert is in effect in 16 departments due to the heat. According to meteorologists, high temperatures in France will last until Friday.