Data from the National Republican Guard (GNR) indicate that, in addition to the 6,860 forest fires recorded to date, there have been “1,922 administrative offense reports, including 1,486 for lack of fuel management, 324 for misuse of fire, and 30 for restricted access violations.”
“Considering the preventive, surveillance, and detection work carried out throughout the year, there have been 44 arrests in flagrante delicto for the crime of forest fire. Additionally, 606 suspects have been identified in connection with this crime, some of whom have already been detained by the Judiciary Police. The GNR has been intensifying investigative efforts to rigorously determine the causes of each incident, aiming to provide answers in the shortest possible time,” stated the police force in response.
The GNR reports that by August 25, “40,306 patrols and 5,027 awareness-raising actions have been conducted, reaching 96,408 people,” emphasizing the “shared responsibility” in the protection of forests and populations and the importance of preventive action by all.
The GNR also noted that it has a permanent hotline for reporting violations or clarifications, the Linha SOS Ambiente e Território, available at 808 200 520.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large-scale rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Center regions.
The fires have resulted in four deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some serious, while completely or partially destroying primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
According to provisional official data, 251,000 hectares have burned in the country so far, with over 57,000 hectares affected by the fire that started in Arganil.
