While for almost a week, more than 15,000 hectares have burned in Gironde during two devastating fires in Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch, two separate judicial investigations are open to shed light on the circumstances of these fires. A man was taken into custody this Monday, July 18 at 4:45 p.m. as part of that concerning the Landiras fire, the prosecution announced in a press release.
“Many expertises are in progress and the hearings of witnesses are continuing in parallel”, says the floor. “Criminal identification technicians were able to make findings that accredit a deliberately malicious act”, the statement continues.
A vehicle parked on the side
In addition, still according to the prosecutor, a mechanic who was traveling with his daughter on July 12 on CD 115 saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road at the crossroads with the D116. Vehicle that suddenly started on seeing it. This same mechanic had noticed the start of fire and had tried to put it out.
In addition, several other fire outbreaks took place in the same area at different times. No formal link could be identified between the Landiras incident and the other outbreaks of fire, specifies the prosecutor.
This investigation, for the fire of Landiras, was opened for “destruction by fire of wood, forests, moors, maquis or plantations of others which can cause damage to people”. The penalty is 15 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.
Investigation for involuntary fire in La Teste-de-Buch
The investigation into the fire at La Teste-de-Buch is open for “involuntary destruction”. The penalty incurred is therefore less severe, 2 years imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. The fire started from a Ford transit equipped with a dumpster, driven by a technical assistant from a campsite who was going to the recycling center, specifies the prosecution.
The vehicle being hit by a “sudden failure”, the driver, on getting out, would have realized that the flames were developing under the tipper. He immediately alerted the fire department.