French authorities have detained more than 400 people, including 156 minors, over suspected links to the wildfires that have burned across France since the start of summer, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Tuesday.
Of the 402 people detained, 156 are minors and 36 are in custody, either already convicted or awaiting trial, Nuñez said at a press conference.
Nuñez said France has recorded 14,540 fire outbreaks since the start of the season, burning a total of 120,000 hectares. He said the situation was improving.
Fires threaten Jolie-Pitt property
Among the areas affected, the fires have threatened a property at the center of a dispute between actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, according to Correio da Manhã.
A 38-year-old firefighter died while battling the flames in southwest France, the outlet reported.
The fires have devastated thousands of hectares across the country.
No Portuguese victims reported
No Portuguese victims have been reported in the fires affecting France and Spain. Portugal has deployed more than 130 personnel and 40 vehicles to help fight the wildfires in Spain and France.
