Justice: opening of the trial of the man suspected of being at the origin of the Rognac fire

a butt cigarette smoke would have been the trigger for a forest fire in Rognac (Bouches-du-Rhône), in August 2016. This gigantic fire is considered the fifth most destructive in the history of the region. The latter was allegedly provoked by a mason who, after smoking, threw his cigarette into the woods. As a result, he is now before the courts to answer for this act. 400 victims and civil parties claim repair.

The trial opened on Monday November 15th. 400 plaintiffs are present, so that it had to be broadcast in two courtrooms. Institutions, businesses and residents are calling for justice to be done. “These are people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Personally, we don’t have our house that was burned down, but we could see it as soon as there is a fire that is detected, it is always panic, because we are afraid that it will restart“, explains Me Jean-Phillippe Nouis, lawyer for several plaintiffs. The accused risks up to five years imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros.