French "wild' fires

[exile]

Looks like it will miss us - again

[Chappers51]

At the moment the storm’s missed us.

I’m hoping we don’t have any more hail this summer, I’m still trying to get my assurance to pay up for the damage caused at the beginning of May, at least they’ve accepted that it did happen.

[Bayleaf]

I just zoomed out on zoom earth, and was shocked to see how many "major" fires are showing for Canada and America ....

Screenshot 2026-07-15 130640.png

[widge]

One of those people in your link, Bayleaf, is a pompier volontaire who admitted setting fire to some twigs. Unbelievable. It makes one wonder why he became a pompier in the first place. In any emergency service, you come across inexperienced gung-ho types who want to use the 2 tones, gyrophare etc., be in on the action ....

Unfortunately some people who are fascinated with fire are drawn to the fire service, in some cases just doing the job is enough to satisfy their obsession, but for others they need to go further and start fires, i have also heard of volunteer firemen starting fires, becouse they only get paid while on duty.

Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting this is common. But sadly you do get the occasional problem.

[Blaze]

Unfortunately some people who are fascinated with fire are drawn to the fire service, in some cases just doing the job is enough to satisfy their obsession, but for others they need to go further and start fires,

It can go further than that : some start fires then get the thrill of being a hero putting it out.

[Bayleaf]

Not much of a hero if it turns out they're responsible for loss of life and property ....

[Bayleaf]

What is wrong with these people?
https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/p ... 1784805413

[Lori]

Sadly, I think many of these fires were 'set.'

What could bring a person to do such things, I cannot imagine. There are far too many very ill individuals living among us.

[Headers]

Sadly, I think many of these fires were 'set.'

What could bring a person to do such things, I cannot imagine. There are far too many very ill individuals living among us.

or bad actors being paid to do it.

[Blaze]

Various Procureurs are trying to bring in stiffer punishments for those who carelessly toss a cigarette butt out of the window : one year's prison and confiscation of their car, a fine of 15,000 euros .... how easy will this be to enforce is anyone's guess. This sort of "threat" won't deter anyone - they know they'll be out in 6 months for good behaviour. Then some will get away with having an electronic bracelet.
Pyromania is not, it seems, treated as a serious crime as it is in the UK ....