France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, said that France is facing an unprecedented season of wildfires, with 116,085 hectares burned and 13,566 fires recorded since the beginning of the year so far; the figures have surpassed the country’s previous record of 72,000 hectares burned in 2022.

Lecornu said that 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by human activities, most of which happen due to carelessness such as disposing of cigarette butts, barbecuing, or unsafe construction work. He urged the public to take preventive measures, including clearing vegetation, postponing hazardous work outdoors, and avoiding smoking near dry plants.

He also warned that not all fires are accidental and that some are intentionally started; a crime that carries up to 15 years in prison under French law. As of July 6, authorities have made 162 arrests related to suspects of arson.