Eleven People Face Criminal Proceedings After Wildfires in Gironde

Bordeaux – 29 July 2026: Eleven people are facing criminal proceedings following the severe wildfires in Gironde. Two suspects were placed in pretrial detention on suspicion of arson. Nine others were brought before the courts after allegedly smoking in or near at-risk forest areas, lighting a barbecue, or using fireworks.

The cases concern different individual incidents. Based on the information known so far, the public prosecutor’s office does not accuse all suspects of being responsible for the large-scale fires. Rather, the investigations concern actions that could have sparked further fires during an exceptionally tense danger situation or made the work of emergency services even more difficult. The investigations must determine whether, and which, fires can be attributed to the individual suspects.

Bordeaux public prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul had announced a firm criminal justice response to careless handling of fire near forests. The justice system is therefore also examining risky behavior that, based on current knowledge, did not result in a major fire. The tougher approach was prompted by the scale of the fires in the department and the deaths of two professional firefighters during an operation in Merignac.

As early as 25 July, security forces had reported several arrests. Those arrested included three men under investigation for endangering others. Two of them are alleged to have set off fireworks. Such accusations carry particular weight during periods of high wildfire risk: sparks can ignite dry vegetation, while new fire outbreaks tie up personnel and vehicles needed elsewhere.

The Gendarmerie deployed extensive resources in the affected areas and during evacuations. According to its information, more than 900 gendarmes were deployed in Gironde at times. They protected residents, transport routes, and operational areas. Monitoring compliance with official bans was also among their duties.

Strict protective measures applied to the at-risk forest areas. Fireworks and activities involving open flames were prohibited, among other things. The rules are intended to prevent cigarette butts, sparks, or intense heat from igniting dry undergrowth. They also protect emergency personnel, who must put themselves in danger again with every additional fire outbreak.

The criminal investigation is proceeding separately from the immediate firefighting operation. Pretrial detention does not constitute a presumption of guilt; all suspects are presumed innocent. The public prosecutor’s office and the courts will determine the further legal assessment of the individual acts on the basis of the investigations.