A 31-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) in the municipality of Ourém, Santarém district, suspected of starting at least four fires in the area between June and July.
On June 26 and July 1, 17, and 19, the suspect allegedly ignited four separate fires in Ourém, which the PJ stated in a communiqué consumed a “considerable” area, particularly near houses and shopping centers.
The fires were reportedly set “using delay devices, in an area with a vast forest cover, populated with maritime pine, oaks, eucalyptus, and scrub.”
“If not for the rapid and effective intervention of the local firefighters, the fire could have had more severe proportions,” the note added.
The ongoing investigation suggests that the same suspect may also be responsible for other forest fires in the same municipality, “considering the spatiotemporal pattern and modus operandi.”
The detainee, who has no criminal record, will be brought before the competent judicial authority for the application of coercive measures.
