A 35-year-old man has been arrested by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) on suspicion of committing at least two forest fires that occurred on June 19 and 23, in Fátima.
“The suspect, using a direct flame (lighter), ignited the mentioned fires in the vicinity of his residence, in an area with a vast forest cover consisting of bushes, eucalyptus, and pine trees, along pedestrian access routes (commonly known as trails), with approximately 215m2 burned. The fires did not reach more severe proportions due to the timely alert and a quick and effective response by combat means,” reads the PJ statement sent to the press.
Investigations revealed that “these events might have been allegedly fueled by excessive alcohol consumption.”
There are also “suspicions” that the man “may be responsible for other forest fires that occurred in the same area in previous years, considering the spatial-temporal pattern and modus operandi.”
The detainee will be brought before the competent judicial authority for the application of coercive measures.
Know What to Do in Case of a Fire
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has provided some advice to individuals on what to do in case of a fire.
If you are near a fire, “immediately call 112 (emergency number). It is also noted that “if you are not in danger and have appropriate clothing (long-sleeve clothes, boots, and gloves), try to extinguish [the fire] with shovels, hoes, or branches.”
It also advises not to “hinder the action of firefighters, forest rangers, and other rescue forces,” and to follow given instructions.
If you have vehicles on access paths to the fire, they should be removed. Also, if you notice “the presence of people with risky behavior, inform the authorities.”
The arrival of summer and the heat also brings a higher risk of fires, and therefore, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority has provided some advice to individuals to know what to do in these situations.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:46 – 07/07/2025
It is recalled that in the year 2024, the area that burned was the largest in the past six years, with over 14,000 hectares burned from 735 fires.
