An alleged “pyromanic fireman” has been accused by French authorities of beginning a string of fires within the south of France.
The person, who was a volunteer firefighter from the Herault area, was arrested on Friday.
Based on prosecutors, the person in his 30s stated he began the fires in a quest for adrenaline.
The case of the “pompier pyromane”, as French media retailers have nicknamed the accused, has drawn eager curiosity throughout France, after a collection of fierce wildfires ravaged the nation final week, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of individuals.
The person admitted to beginning fires with a lighter on 26 Could, 21 July and over the evening of 26 to 27 July
Montpellier prosecutor Fabrice Belargent stated in an announcement: “Requested about his motive, he declared that he had completed this in an effort to provoke an intervention by the hearth brigade to save lots of him from an oppressive household surroundings and due to the joy these interventions precipitated him.”
“Adrenaline he referred to as it – these are his personal phrases,” stated the prosecutor. “He additionally stated he had a necessity for social recognition.”
When he was not volunteering as a firefighter, the person, who has not been recognized by identify, labored as a full time forester, a job which required him to forestall fires as one among his main tasks.
The person’s lawyer advised BFM TV that he had “expressed very sturdy remorse and above all a powerful sentiment of disgrace” whereas being questioned by authorities.
Marie Bar additionally confirmed he had been remanded in pre-trial custody by an investigating decide.
“He apologised to the…. firemen who he works with as he calls them his large household. That is somebody who could be very dedicated to his work,” she stated.
“He finds it laborious to clarify. In a means he’s relieved to have been arrested. He explains it as an habit.”
If the person is convicted, he might resist 15 years in jail and a 150,000 euro (£125,835) positive.
Former hearth brigade chief Ludovic Pinganaud advised BFM: “It’s disgusting to have inside the organisation one of these particular person,” former hearth brigade colonel Ludovic Pinganaud advised BFM.
