20-year-old man detained over forest fire in Vila Real in September 2025
The Judicial Police detained a 20-year-old man suspected of starting a fire in the Vila Velha area of Vila Real in September 2025.
Suspect detained over fire in Vila Velha, Vila Real
A 20-year-old man has been detained by the Judicial Police (PJ) on suspicion of having caused a forest fire in the Vila Velha area of the city of Vila Real, reported observador.pt on Tuesday.
The suspect, a resident of Vila Real in irregular immigration status in national territory, is "strongly implicated" in the commission of a forest fire crime that occurred on 26 September 2025. According to the PJ, the fire is believed to have been started using direct flame — presumed to be with a lighter or the tip of a cigarette.
The fire broke out on a hillside of difficult access, covered by dense shrubby vegetation and a significant amount of deadwood. The rapid intervention of the fire brigade limited the area consumed to approximately 100 square metres.
The detention was carried out outside of flagrante delicto by the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real. The inquiry is led by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action, also of Vila Real.
The suspect will be brought before a first judicial interrogation for the application of any necessary preventative measures.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)