12-Year-Old Girl Admits to Setting Fire to Carrefour Market in Hourtin, France
A 12-year-old girl has confessed to intentionally setting fire to the Carrefour Market supermarket in Hourtin, Gironde, France, on March 8, 2026. The fire caused an estimated 7 million euros in damages.
The incident, which completely destroyed the 3,000 square meter supermarket, also impacted a neighboring flower shop, resulting in significant losses for the owner, Mélodie. “My store is located on the right of what remains of the Carrefour Market,” she stated in a TF1 news report. “We are helpless… all the work we put into it has gone up in smoke.”
Investigation and Confession
The investigation, led by the gendarmerie brigade de recherches of Lesparre-Médoc, utilized video surveillance footage from the town and the store to identify the suspect. The girl, a resident of Hourtin, was taken into custody on March 19 and immediately admitted to setting fire to clothes found in shopping carts within the store, according to Bordeaux prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul.
“She was able to confide her attraction to fire,” Gaudeul stated. A psychiatric evaluation determined the minor was criminally responsible for her actions.
Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The news of the suspect’s age has shocked residents of Hourtin. Some expressed dismay, whereas others focused on the need for parental responsibility. “It’s lamentable!” one woman commented. Another stated, “I have two granddaughters… I can’t even think about it.” A resident also noted, “It’s unfortunate for this kid… It’s the parents who should pay attention to their children.”
The teenager will be presented before a children’s judge. She is prohibited from appearing in the town and going out at night without adult supervision. Under French law, minors under the age of 13 are not subject to prison sentences.
Source: Sud Ouest, Actu, France3 Régions, France Bleu