France tightens focus on arsonists: These penalties apply

Paris – 15 July 2026: Following the numerous vegetation and forest fires of recent weeks, the criminal liability of possible perpetrators is also in focus. Franceinfo reported around 60 arrests since the beginning of summer. Separately, the Gendarmerie confirmed that it has arrested 32 people in its jurisdiction since the start of July alone, suspected of having caused individual fire outbreaks.

However, an arrest means neither guilt nor a conviction. Investigators must first determine where a fire started and whether it was caused by a technical defect, carelessness or an intentional act. In major operations, specialised fire-cause investigation teams work with the fire service, the Gendarmerie and forestry administration experts. Each investigation is conducted under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office.

The Criminal Code already provides for substantial penalties for fires caused by negligence. Anyone who starts a fire by failing to comply with a required precautionary or safety rule and damages another person’s property generally faces up to one year in prison and a fine of EUR 15,000. If the rules were clearly and deliberately disregarded, the penalty rises to two years in prison and EUR 30,000.

Stricter maximum penalties apply to fires in forests, scrubland, heathland or plantations. In cases of negligence, penalties of up to two years in prison and EUR 30,000 are possible; for the intentional failure to comply with specific safety requirements, up to three years and EUR 45,000. If people are put at physical risk or irreparable environmental damage is threatened, the maximum penalties can rise to three or five years’ imprisonment respectively, and up to EUR 100,000.

Intentional arson is prosecuted far more severely. Under Article 322-6 of the Criminal Code, anyone who destroys another person’s property by fire and thereby may endanger people faces ten years in prison and a fine of EUR 150,000. If the act concerns forest or vegetation areas and poses a danger to people or the environment, the penalty is up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of EUR 150,000.

Aggravating circumstances can further increase the penalty. These include offences committed by an organised group, serious injuries, or attacks carried out because of the work of a police officer, gendarme, firefighter or other public official. In cases of intentional forest and vegetation fires, penalties of up to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of EUR 200,000 are then possible. If intentional arson results in a person’s death, life imprisonment may be imposed.

The current investigations come during a period of high fire risk due to heat and drought. According to the Gendarmerie, an estimated 90 percent of fire outbreaks are linked to human activity, including carelessness, professional activities or criminal acts. Authorities therefore particularly point to the ban on open fires and barbecue areas near forest land, as well as the obligation to handle cigarette ends and work involving sparks with particular care.