The authorities had suspected the fires were arson and they have arrested two individuals they believe were responsible, a third is still being sought.
These aircraft are a common sight here during the hot months, especially when strong winds are blowing. While yesterday's incident was taking place a Dash 8 circled overhead here for over an hour, spotting and ready to respond to any flare ups. My neighbour is the local fire chief and he says that over 80% of these bush fires are malicious. The son of a local Mayor was put in psychiatric care when he graduated from setting fire to rubbish bins and set a large part of the hillside near Cavaillon alight.
The pilot who died in the crash has not yet been named. R.I.P.