80-year-old woman released after suspicion of starting three fires in Celorico de Basto
Guimarães Court released the woman detained by the Braga Judicial Police on suspicion of having started three fires in August. The elderly woman is obliged to report to the GNR during the inquiry.
Guimarães Court releases elderly woman suspected of three fires in Ribas
Guimarães Court released on Saturday the 80-year-old woman detained by the Braga Judicial Police on Thursday on suspicion of having started three fires in the parish of Ribas, in Celorico de Basto. According to Correio da Manhã, the defendant can return home, but is obliged to report periodically to the GNR whilst the inquiry proceeds.
The PJ gathered evidence that it was the elderly woman who started the three fire outbreaks on consecutive days, during a week when the country was experiencing an extreme heat wave. The fires were recorded on 16, 17 and 18 August in forested areas with dwellings nearby.
Fire started in early hours with direct flame
At least one of the three fires began at 04:00 in the early morning. In a statement, the Braga Judicial Police states that the fires generated "marked risk to the entire forest, fields and various dwellings in the area".
The investigation concluded that the woman used direct flame to start the three fires. The PJ indicates that the defendant acted "for personal reasons", without providing further details on the nature of these motivations.
Source: Correio da Manhã