The suspect has not yet been detained as the Judicial Police had to be contacted due to the potential involvement in a deliberate crime.
According to the National Republican Guard, intentional forest fire crimes are under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Police, who are responsible for making arrests.
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reported that a brush fire that started at 10:30 a.m. in the village of Sandomil, Seia municipality, was being battled by 529 personnel using 151 vehicles and 13 aerial units as of 6:00 p.m.
A source from the Beiras and Serra da Estrela Sub-regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection stated that the primary focus of the fire-fighting personnel is to protect homes due to strong winds with gusts reaching 40 kilometers per hour.
While no evacuations have taken place, the Seia Town Hall advises through social media that residents in all localities affected by the fire should remain confined.
In a social media post, the Seia Town Hall notes that traffic is restricted or cut off on municipal roads connecting Corgas to Sandomil, Carragozela to Várzea, on the National Road 17 between Ponte de Santiago and Oliveira do Hospital, and between Santiago and Santa Eulália. Additionally, the Assamassa Road between S. Romão and Catraia de S. Romão, as well as access roads to Vila Cova à Coelheira, are affected.
The municipality advises residents to stay alert, follow the guidelines of authorities, avoid traveling to the affected area, and respect on-site signs and instructions.
