A 19-year-old volunteer firefighter has been charged and remanded in custody in Epinal, in the Vosges. He is suspected of having started at least seven fires in vehicles or buildings before alerting his colleagues, according to a report from our colleagues at Vosges Matin and theAFP.
When questioned by the investigators, the young firefighter partially admitted to the offences. At least six of the seven fires were started between 17 April and 16 August this year. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
Colleagues who are unsure
According to theAFP, the volunteer was identified by other firefighters, all of whom were struck by the fact that he was present each time in the vicinity of the various fires. As for the most recent fire, which he denies having started, it is believed to have been in his own flat, where he lived with his mother. The flat was completely destroyed by the flames. Furthermore, he did not attend any of the fires he is suspected of having started.
"On 11 August, the centre manager alerted the police. Internally, we analysed all these fires. Following our visit to his home on 16 August, there was no longer any doubt. On the morning of the 17th, we handed over all our documents to the police.", the director of SDIS 88 told our colleagues at Vosges Matin.
Brought before and presented to an investigating judge
After being arrested and taken into police custody, the young firefighter was referred to the public prosecutor’s office and then brought before an investigating judge, who charged him with "wilful damage or destruction by fire".
The deputy public prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded in custody, "in order to shed full light on the fire on 16 August", since he denies being responsible for the fire. "There are too many contradictions in his statement and in what other witnesses may say. And the real issue is the risk of reoffending.", the deputy public prosecutor told our colleagues. He has been remanded in custody at Epinal Remand Centre.