Pakistan, July 20 -- Nearly 40,000 hectares of forests and vegetation have burned across France since the start of 2026, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said. The damage has already exceeded last year's total. Authorities continue battling severe wildfire conditions across several regions.

Speaking to France Inter radio, Nunez said the burned area has also surpassed the level recorded by this stage in 2022. He described 2022 as an exceptional wildfire season. Hundreds of firefighters remain deployed to contain active blazes.

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According to Nunez, authorities have arrested 111 people in connection with fires nationwide. He said many suspects admitted responsibility fo...