A 39-year-old man was arrested by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) on strong suspicion of committing five forest fire crimes in Recezinhos, Penafiel.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, authorities clarified that “the suspect allegedly started the fires with a direct flame, endangering a forest area as well as several buildings, mainly residences located on the edge of the forest area.”
“Since June 2, 42 ignitions have been recorded in that area, where the arrested individual operated, requiring the use of aerial means to extinguish some of these fires,” the statement reads.
The PJ stated that the suspect has “a history of committing this type of crime” and will be brought before a judicial interrogation to determine the coercive measures to be applied.
The crime of forest fire involves setting fire to land covered with forest, including woods, pastures, brush, spontaneous vegetation formations, or agricultural land, whether private or public.
According to the Diário da República, this crime “is generally punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 8 years.” However, “if it endangers the life or physical integrity of others, or high-value properties belonging to others, the prison sentence ranges from 3 to 12 years.”
It should be noted that the crime of forest fire is a public crime.
What to do in case of a fire?
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) offered some advice on what people should do in the event of a fire.
The Civil Protection advises that if you are near a fire, you should “immediately call 112 (the emergency number).” It also notes that “if you are not in danger and have appropriate clothing (long-sleeve clothes, boots, and gloves), try to extinguish the fire with shovels, hoes, or branches.”
They also ask that “you do not hinder the action of Firefighters, Forest Rangers, and other rescue forces” and follow any given instructions.
If you have vehicles on access roads to the fire, they should be removed. Additionally, if you notice “the presence of persons with risky behaviors, inform the authorities.”
The arrival of summer and heat also brings a higher risk of fire, and thus, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection offered some advice on what to do in such situations.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:46 – 07/07/2025
It should be noted that yesterday, Sunday, several municipalities in mainland Portugal, mostly inland, were at maximum risk of rural fire due to hot temperatures.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) also placed almost all municipalities in the 18 continental districts under very high and high risk.
It should be recalled that in the year 2024, the burned area was the largest in the last six years, with over 14,000 hectares burned as a result of 735 fires.
