In a statement, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), through the Central Directorate based in Coimbra, reported that a fire occurred on the afternoon of the 7th.
“Using a lighter, the man started the fire that consumed a forest area densely populated with maritime pine and olive trees, with a high potential to cause loss of human life and significant damage, if not for the prompt and effective intervention of the Alvaiázere Volunteer Firefighters who were nearby,” the statement read.
According to the PJ, the man, a retiree with no known criminal record, will face a judicial hearing for the possible implementation of coercive measures.
The arrest was carried out in close collaboration with the Group for the Reduction of Ignitions in the Central Littoral and the National Republican Guard (GNR) of Pombal.
Members of the PJ, GNR, and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests are part of this group.
