The fire, which killed at least 12 people, has already become the deadliest forest fire in Spanish history.
In 1984, a fire broke out in La Gomera, Canary Island, killing 20 people, and in 1979, a forest fire near Lloret de Mar in northeastern Spain killed 21 people, including 9 children.
Forest fires plagued France even during the summer months.
On Monday, more than 10,000 people were evacuated from their homes in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.
But on Saturday, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said in a social media post that 32 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.
“This unacceptable behavior, which has had disastrous consequences and put firefighters’ lives at risk, will now be brought before the courts,” he said.
Climate change is causing temperatures to rise around the world, with Europe the fastest warming continent, warming twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus Climate Service.
This is leading to increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on Europe’s water supplies and more severe wildfires.
Additional reporting by Dearbail Jordan
