2 boys suspected of arson over French Riviera wildfires

PARIS -- An official says two adolescents are in custody on suspicion of arson over the wildfires that have swept across parts of southeastern France.

Aix-en-Provence Deputy Police Prosecutor Remy Avon told the AP Friday two boys, both aged 16, were stopped in Martigues on Wednesday on suspicion of starting a blaze in Carro where 370 acres were devastated.

Avon says they will go before a judge Friday afternoon with a view to being charged with arson and theft. It can carry a 15-year jail sentence for minors.

The official also said a 41-year-old man has admitted to accidentally starting the wildfire in Peynier with a metal-cutting device. That fire burned 72 hectares of vegetation. He will go before a judge Friday afternoon.