A 43-year-old man was arrested in flagrante delicto last Friday for the crime of forest fire in Faiões, in the municipality of Chaves, reported the National Republican Guard (GNR) on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Territorial Command of Vila Real explained that the arrest took place following a forest fire that broke out in that municipality. The Guard’s officers conducted police investigations which determined that the fire originated from a burn to melt copper wires.
Consequently, upon the arrest of the suspect, a lighter and 50 meters of copper were seized.
The detainee was named a defendant, and the case was referred to the Judicial Court of Chaves.
The National Republican Guard emphasizes its commitment to preventing and combating rural fires, “actively contributing to the criminal accountability of the perpetrators and the protection of people, property, and natural heritage.”
“The protection of people and property, within the scope of rural fires, continues to be one of GNR’s priorities, supported by preventive actions and patrolling efforts in forest areas,” the statement reads, which also reminds that:
- Burns and bonfires are among the main causes of wildfires in Portugal;
- The conduct of burns, burning of piles, and bonfires is prohibited whenever there is a level of rural fire risk considered “very high” or “maximum,” and is subject to authorization or prior communication at other times;
- To avoid accidents, follow safety rules, always have company, and carry a mobile phone.
Additionally, the National Republican Guard, through the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA), is daily concerned with environmental and animal protection. For this purpose, the SOS Environment and Territory Line (808 200 520) is available around the clock for reporting infractions or clarifying doubts.
