On 8 July 2025, flames engulfed a plot of land in the municipality of Brouilla, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Within a short time, two hectares comprising vineyards, truffle oaks and agricultural infrastructure had been devastated. To bring the blaze under control, the SDIS66 swiftly mobilised significant resources: 71 firefighters, three forest fire response teams (GIFF) and a water-bombing helicopter.
A quick survey
The circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire quickly led investigators to suspect arson. Thanks to a key witness statement and cooperation between the municipal police forces of Brouilla and Saint-Jean-Lasseille, officers from the Elne brigade identified a suspect. He was taken into custody on 18 July and admitted to the offence.
Appearing in summary proceedings on 22 July at Perpignan Magistrates’ Court, the man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, one of which was suspended. This is a significant sentence, intended to deter potential arsonists.
A clear message about the danger of forest fires
This verdict comes at a time when the risk of fire is extremely high in the department. The summer of 2025 is set to be dry and windy, conditions that are conducive to fires breaking out. To monitor the situation in real time, members of the public can visit the current fire map as well as today’s alert level.
The authorities would like to remind everyone that every action counts: simply throwing away a cigarette butt or using a flame-producing device could be enough to cause a disaster. Individual responsibility and collective vigilance are more essential than ever.