Aug. 2--PARIS -- A fire-fighting plane tackling a forest fire in southern France crashed on Friday, killing its pilot, local authorities said. The accident took place as more than 500 firefighters tried to get three separate fires under control in the southern Gard department.
"An immense sorrow grips us all this evening," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner wrote on Twitter, paying tribute to the "infinite courage" of the pilot.
On Tuesday, a fire ravaged more than 500 hectares in the region, according to France Bleu public radio. Nimes prosecutor Eric Maurel said Thursday that arson was suspected in that case.
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