A 15-year-old boy was identified by authorities on August 21, suspected of starting a fire in a forested area of Ermesinde, in Valongo.
A citizen encountered the minor “emerging from a pathway within the trees simultaneously as a fire began in that location,” the Public Security Police (PSP) stated in a communiqué sent to newsrooms this Friday.
Subsequently, the man alerted authorities, who identified the youth “based on his characteristics and attire.”
“The burned area was about 200 square meters, with the fire source being extinguished by locals and the Volunteer Firefighters of Ermesinde, posing no threat to people or property,” emphasized the PSP in the same note.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa remarked, “there is no parallel between the situation we are experiencing and what happened in 2017,” as the number of fatalities and injuries cannot be compared.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 09:25 – 22/08/2025
Witnesses to the crime have also been identified, with the investigation being handled by the Judicial Police (PJ).
Portugal’s mainland has been affected by multiple extensive rural fires since July, particularly in the northern and central regions.
Following the Council of Ministers, Luís Montenegro addressed the Portuguese people, announcing a package of 45 measures to support individuals and businesses affected by the fires, including the waiver of health co-pays (which have been nonexistent since 2022).
Natacha Nunes Costa com Lusa | 08:48 – 22/08/2025
The fires have resulted in three deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe. They also totally or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock facilities and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has access to two Fire Boss planes, with the arrival of two additional Canadair planes expected on Friday.
As of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned in the country, over 53,000 of which were in the Arganil fire alone, according to provisional official data.
The operative was left in critical condition. Resources were deployed to the location, including an INEM helicopter.
Daniela Filipe | 16:10 – 21/08/2025
