behind the scenes of the investigations into the origin of the forest fires

The fire which destroyed 300 hectares of forest earlier this week in Mano, in the Landes, is probably of criminal origin. An investigation has been opened. But how does the cell mobilized on this kind of case work? Identifying an arsonist requires a particular technique and professionals from different trades. For example, for the investigation of the Générac fire (Gard) which took place a month earlier, a firefighter, a policeman and a forester are associated in the field in search of the slightest clue.

Step by step, the trio establishes the direction of fire spread using flags. Everything is taken into account, direction of the wind, relief, but also the materials that have resisted the flames. Gradually, the trio goes up to the starting point of the fire. It is then necessary to mark out the zone and to look for an element which could be at the origin of the fire. The team proceeds by elimination.