49-year-old man detained for forest fire in Vila Real that destroyed 2000 m²
The Judicial Police detained a 49-year-old suspect for setting a fire in Abaças, Vila Real, on 5 July, which destroyed approximately 2000 m² of agricultural land.
Suspect detained for setting fire in Abaças with lighter on dry vegetation
The Judicial Police detained a 49-year-old man strongly implicated in the forest fire that occurred on 5 July in the parish of Abaças, municipality of Vila Real, as reported by Google News PT — Crime (pt). The detention was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real.
According to the investigation, the suspect is believed to have started the fire with direct flame, igniting a lighter on dry vegetation on the roadside of a public road. The flames spread rapidly to adjacent agricultural land, destroying an area of approximately 2000 square metres.
Among the affected property were low vegetation and permanent crops — olive trees, fig trees, apple trees and grapevines. The fire also advanced towards a residential area nearby, placing people and homes at risk.
The situation was brought under control thanks to the immediate intervention of locals, followed by the action of firefighters and aerial means of combating rural fires, preventing more serious consequences.
The detained person will be brought before the competent judicial authority for initial judicial questioning, where measures of restraint applicable to him will be determined. The investigation continues under the direction of the Public Ministry of Vila Real.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)