A 72-year-old man has been detained in the Vialonga area, Vila Franca de Xira, on suspicion of committing a forest fire crime, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced on Tuesday in a statement.
According to investigators, the suspect used direct flames to set fire to a bush area, resulting in approximately seven hectares being burned. The fire also endangered nearby residences.
The detainee will now be presented for an initial judicial interrogation to determine appropriate coercive measures.
It is noted that the National Republican Guard (GNR) has already arrested 44 arsonists this summer and issued nearly 1,500 fines related to arson crimes.
