‘I could not stop’: man admits starting dozens of wildfires in southern France

A man who admitted starting dozens of wildfires in the Hérault department over a 10-day period has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence and ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.

Renaud C., 30, appeared before the Montpellier criminal court on Monday, August 11, admitting to judges that he had started fires in several communes between June 25 and July 5.

“I would open the car door, light some twigs, close the door, and drive away,” he explained in court, miming the flick of a lighter. 

On some evenings he started “up to ten” fires.

“I could not stop,” he said.

The resulting fires burned about 6,000 square metres of vegetation in areas including Vendémian, Le Pouget and Puilacher. 

The incidents took place during a heatwave, while the department was on high (orange) alert due to the risk of wildfire.

When asked whether he understood the damage he had caused, Renaud C. insisted that he had sometimes tried to extinguish his fires but failed. 

“At the last fire, I told myself I had to stop,” he said. 

“You stopped because you were arrested,” replied Prosecutor Jean-Christophe Tixier.

The defendant, who is under reinforced guardianship due to cognitive and emotional difficulties, told the court he regretted his actions. 

“It was really stupid of me. I am ashamed for myself and for my family,” he said, shaking his head when asked whether he might reoffend.

The court heard that he was identified not through forensic evidence but because of his “recognisable” car - a blue-grey Volkswagen Golf with decorative stickers. 

The court sentenced him to two years in prison, fully suspended, with probation conditions including psychiatric treatment, work or training. 

In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that about 31% of wildfires in France were started deliberately.