80-year-old woman detained on suspicion of starting three fires in Celorico de Basto
The Judicial Police detained an 80-year-old woman suspected of starting three forest fires in August in the parish of Ribas. The accused is believed to have acted for personal reasons.
Elderly woman detained by Judicial Police for three fires in the parish of Ribas
The Judicial Police detained an 80-year-old woman on suspicion of starting three forest fires in the parish of Ribas, municipality of Celorico de Basto, district of Braga, the Judicial Police announced on Friday. According to CNN Portugal, the fires occurred on 16, 17 and 18 August.
In a statement, the Judicial Police indicate that the accused acted for reasons of a personal nature, "knowing full well that her conduct was prohibited by law and represented an imminent danger to nature, populations and the property of third parties".
The flames were started with direct flame in locations with conditions favourable to spread, creating "heightened risk for the entire forest, agricultural fields and several homes in the area", the statement adds. The ignitions occurred on hot, dry and windy days, with high temperatures that increased the danger of fire.
The detained woman, a resident of the parish of Ribas itself, will be presented in court for initial judicial interrogation and application of appropriate precautionary measures.
Source: CNN Portugal