49-year-old man detained for starting forest fire in Vila Real with lighter
The PJ detained a 49-year-old suspect for the fire on 5 July in Abaças, Vila Real, which destroyed 2,000 m² of agricultural land.
Suspect detained for fire in Abaças that threatened residential area
The Criminal Investigation Police detained a 49-year-old man strongly suspected of the forest fire crime that occurred on 5 July in the parish of Abaças, municipality of Vila Real, according to Google News PT — Crime. The detention was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real.
According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly started the fire with direct flame by operating a lighter on dry vegetation at the roadside. The flames spread rapidly to adjacent agricultural land, consuming approximately 2,000 square metres of low vegetation and permanent crops — olive trees, fig trees, apple trees and grapevines.
The fire progressed towards a nearby residential area, increasing the risk to people and property in the area. The intervention of residents, followed by firefighters and aerial means of combat against rural fires, made it possible to control and extinguish the flames, avoiding more serious consequences.
The detained man will be presented to the competent judicial authority for initial judicial questioning, with a view to applying precautionary measures. The investigation is proceeding under the direction of the Public Prosecutor's Office of Vila Real.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)