In a statement, the authority revealed that the investigation determined that the ignition of the fire allegedly originated from fuel management work carried out by the suspect using a brush cutter with a metal disc.
On Thursday, all municipalities in the Bragança district, including Mirandela, were at maximum fire risk, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, which forecasted a maximum temperature of 39 degrees for Mirandela.
Given these conditions, making fires, burns and bonfires, using brush cutters, bush cutters, and shredders, and cutting equipment such as chainsaws or grinders were prohibited.
The suspect was thus formally charged, and the case has been referred to the Judicial Court of Mirandela.
