A man suspected of starting a forest fire in Avioso, Maia, was arrested yesterday, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) announced on Saturday.
The fire occurred in a natural heritage area (national forests) and posed a threat to a significant woodland area, as well as to several buildings, particularly an industrial park located on the edge of the forested zone.
In a statement, the PJ, through its Northern Directorate, explained that the suspect, a local resident, allegedly started the fire using direct flame in retaliation against an unknown individual who had reportedly threatened him with aggression to prevent him from frequenting the area.
The 68-year-old suspect, who has no criminal record, was brought before a judicial authority for an initial hearing and was subject to non-custodial coercive measures.
