The Judiciary Police (PJ) has announced the identification and arrest of a suspect allegedly responsible for starting a forest fire on Wednesday, August 6, in Cinfães, Viseu district.
The fire was reportedly started using an open flame. Due to the high fire risk index in the area, it spread rapidly, posing a significant threat to forest areas and several residential structures along the forest’s edge and within its interior, according to the PJ.
The fire’s impact was limited due to early detection and prompt response by the Cinfães Volunteer Firefighters and local residents, officials added.
An investigation revealed that the suspect’s motive stemmed from a vendetta following a dispute with a neighbor the previous day, they noted.
The 25-year-old suspect, with no criminal record, is expected to appear today for a preliminary judicial hearing to determine any coercive measures.
The PJ emphasized that the arrest was executed by the Northern Directorate in Porto, with assistance from the GNR’s Territorial Post in Cinfães, Viseu district.
