A 23-year-old man remanded in custody after a suspected series of arson attacks in the Var

Draguignan – 29 July 2026: Following a series of suspected deliberately set vegetation fires in the Var department, a 23-year-old man has been remanded in custody. The public prosecutor’s office accuses him of being involved in several fire outbreaks. According to a Franceinfo report, there are believed to have been around ten suspected deliberate fires. The defendant is presumed innocent.

According to the gendarmerie, investigators traced the man through reports from the public and analysis of surveillance camera footage. He was arrested at his home and then taken into police custody. After appearing before an investigating judge, a judicial investigation was opened and his pre-trial detention was ordered.

The alleged acts concern fires that occurred between 19 and 24 July in Brignoles, Cabasse and Vins-sur-Caramy. Several hectares of scrubland and forest were damaged. The investigation concerns the destruction by fire of woods, brushwood or plantations belonging to others, with allegedly irreparable environmental damage.

Under French criminal law, this offence may be punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros. The investigation will have to determine which fires can ultimately be attributed to the defendant and the actual extent of the damage. According to investigators, a psychiatric assessment is also planned.

This case comes as central Var is experiencing an exceptionally tense situation. Since 21 July, emergency services have been fighting a major fire in the Gros-Bessillon massif. The prefecture has also reported other major fires in the department, particularly in the Taradeau-Les Arcs area. Localities have been affected and many residents have had to temporarily leave their homes. No link has been established at this stage between these fires and the allegations against the 23-year-old man.

Due to the high fire risk, authorities have restricted access to particularly vulnerable forest areas and their use. These measures primarily concern work and recreational activities likely to produce sparks or open flames. These bans are intended to prevent new fire outbreaks in dried-out vegetation and their rapid spread in the wind.

At the same time, authorities are investigating other fire outbreaks in the department, the causes of which have not yet been definitively established. The pre-trial detention concerns only the allegations currently brought against the 23-year-old man; it does not prejudge the outcome of the criminal proceedings. On 28 July, the prefecture reported that firefighting operations and assistance measures for people affected by the major fires in Var were continuing.