Man arrested in Vinhais for forest fire that consumed 13 hectares in August
The Judicial Police arrested a 44-year-old suspect for the fire that occurred in Landedo, Vinhais, on 23 August. The flames destroyed 13 hectares of forest area.
Suspect in Landedo fire arrested by Vila Real PJ
The Judicial Police (PJ) arrested a 44-year-old man suspected of having caused a forest fire in Landedo, in the municipality of Vinhais, which broke out on the night of 23 August, according to rr.pt.
The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real, with the collaboration of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the GNR in Bragança. The suspect was identified and arrested outside of flagrante delicto, being, according to the PJ, "strongly suspected of committing a forest fire crime".
According to the investigation, the fire broke out around 21:00, started "through direct flame, using a lighter". The flames consumed approximately 13 hectares of forest area, consisting of a densely planted shrub and sub-shrub layer, as well as scattered chestnut and oak trees.
The PJ emphasises that, without the intervention of several firefighting corporations, the fire could have reached surrounding areas with similar vegetation, including maritime pine stands. The fire also posed a threat to agricultural sheds and dwellings located in the vicinity.
The suspect, a resident of Landedo, will be presented to the competent judicial authority for initial judicial questioning and potential application of appropriate precautionary measures. The investigation continues under the direction of the Public Ministry of Bragança.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)