In a statement released by the GNR, it was confirmed that an arrest was made by members of the Emergency Protection and Relief Unit (UEPS), operating through the Pombal Intervention Post for Protection and Relief (PIPS).
During a patrol focused on the prevention and combat of rural fires, the officers observed a smoke column about one kilometer away, visible from the UEPS facilities.
“The source of the smoke was identified at the rear of a residence, where an unauthorized burn was being conducted by the homeowner,” stated the GNR.
At the time of the incident, the rural fire risk in the Pombal area (Leiria district) was classified as “maximum,” a condition that prohibits any burning activities.
It was further noted that the homeowner lacked both authorization and technical oversight for the burn, “necessitating the intervention of the officers to extinguish the fire.”
The individual was arrested, and the case was referred to the Pombal Judicial Court.
The GNR emphasizes that unauthorized burns are a leading cause of rural fires in the country and stresses that such actions must strictly adhere to safety regulations and never be carried out when the rural fire risk is “very high” or “maximum.”
