A 35-year-old man has been arrested in the Algarve under the suspicion of committing four forest fire crimes that took place on August 18 and 26, in the Faro district, the Judiciary Police (PJ) disclosed on Thursday in a statement.
Investigators have indicated that the suspect used a direct flame to ignite fires in areas covered with low-lying bushes and small trees, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., a period when temperatures were highest and the relative humidity was lowest—conditions that intensified the danger posed by the flames. The fires did not lead to more severe consequences thanks to the “prompt alert from locals and the rapid and effective intervention of the firefighters.”
To move between the fire sites, the man, whose motive remains unknown according to authorities, used a family member’s motorcycle, allowing him to quickly travel between the fire spots and leave the areas swiftly.
The fires occurred in the locality of Casais, municipality of Monchique, in Vale da Ribeira, as well as in Arão and Canafachal near the Algarve International Racetrack, municipality of Portimão, and in Bensafrim, municipality of Lagos.
The detainee, who has no prior criminal record for similar offenses, will now face a preliminary judicial interrogation for the imposition of appropriate coercive measures.
The investigation is overseen by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) of Portimão.
