A 48-year-old man was arrested by the National Republican Guard (GNR) last Saturday, July 5, on suspicion of committing the crime of forest fire in the municipality of Palmela.
The GNR stated in a communiqué that they immediately went to the scene after receiving an alert about a fire igniting in a brush area.
During the proceedings, “it was possible to gather evidence that allowed the identification of a suspect and it was established that the fire resulted in the destruction of approximately half a hectare of vegetation.”
The GNR intercepted the suspect near his residence and seized “a fuel container, presumably used to start the fire,” which was in his possession.
The suspect was detained, and the facts were communicated to the Judicial Court of Setúbal.
The GNR maintains vigilance in preventing and combating rural fires, actively contributing to the criminal accountability of those involved and the protection of people, property, and rural heritage.
What to do in case of a fire?
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) provided some advice on what to do in the event of a fire.
If you are near a fire, “immediately call 112 (emergency number).” It also notes that “if not in danger and wearing appropriate clothing (long-sleeve clothing, boots, and gloves), try to extinguish it [the fire] with shovels, hoes, or branches.”
It also advises not to hinder the actions of the Firefighters, Forest Sappers, and other rescue forces and to follow the instructions given.
If there are vehicles blocking access paths to the fire, they should be removed. If you notice “the presence of people with risky behavior, inform the authorities.”
If the fire is approaching houses, you should warn neighbors and spray the walls—depending on the structure of the house—the roof, and ten meters around the house.
Doors, windows, and other openings should be closed, blinds or shutters should be drawn. If there is furniture, tarps, or logs near the dwelling, remove them.
If it is safe, “disconnect and relocate gas cylinders to a safe place” and move anything flammable away from windows, placing “wet towels in crevices.”
“If not in danger, extinguish small fire outbreaks with water, soil, or green branches,” it reads.
With the arrival of summer and the heat, there is also a greater risk of fire; thus, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection has provided some advice for people to know what to do in these situations.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:46 – 07/07/2025
It is noted that in 2024, the area burned was the largest in the past six years, with more than 14,000 hectares burned as a result of 735 fires.
