A 69-year-old man was arrested by the National Republican Guard (GNR) on Friday, July 4, for a forest fire in the municipality of Castro Daire.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the GNR reported that following an alert regarding the “existence of small fire outbreaks on the night of July 3 to 4,” officers were dispatched to the scene.
After conducting police inquiries, they were able to “locate the suspect.” “The GNR surprised the individual who was in possession of a lighter and confirmed that he had set fire to nearby vegetation.”
The suspect was brought before the Judicial Court of Viseu and was remanded in custody.
In the statement, the GNR emphasizes that “the protection of people and property in the context of rural fires remains a priority,” supported by proactive measures and a focus on forest area patrolling.
It is noted that “burnings and wildfires are the main causes of fires in Portugal” and that “the practice of burnings, heap burnings, and bonfires is prohibited whenever a ‘very high’ or ‘maximum’ rural fire danger level is declared, being subject to prior authorization or notification in other periods.”
“To avoid accidents, follow safety rules, always have company, and carry a mobile phone,” the GNR warns.
Facing ‘very high’ or ‘maximum’ rural fire danger? Remember what not to do
According to a note on the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) Facebook page, “on days of ‘very high’ or ‘maximum’ rural fire danger, the risk is higher” and, therefore, “all precautions should be reinforced.”
ANEPC reminds that it is prohibited to:
- Conduct extensive burning or heap burning;
- Use fire for cooking in all rural spaces, except if done outside critical areas and in places duly authorized for this purpose;
- Launch lighted candle balloons and rockets;
- Use brush cutters, mulching machines, and shredders, any equipment without a spark arrester, cutting equipment like chainsaws or grinders, or operate mechanical methods that generate sparks or heat.
Civil Protection delivers the warning: “If there’s a risk, don’t risk it,” as the “safety of everyone depends on our responsible choices.”
