Three men, aged 21, 24, and 47, have been detained by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) as the “alleged perpetrators of the forest fire” that occurred early on June 25 at Monte da Azinheira, in Nossa Senhora da Neves, Beja.
According to a statement issued to the press, the PJ reported that the “fire was caused using a direct flame initially in a predominantly rural area, with land occupied by an olive grove and spontaneous vegetation, with two ignition points detected on the roadside of EM1045,” where nearby residences were at risk.
“The collected evidence allowed for the identification of the three suspects; however, it was not possible to identify any rational motivation or plausible explanation for the criminal activity, only that it is rooted in severe alcoholism,” the statement reads.
The PJ further stated that the three suspects were caught in the act and will be presented to judicial authorities for initial interrogation and the application of coercive measures.
What to do in case of a fire?
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has offered some advice on what people should do in the event of a fire.
According to Civil Protection’s recommendations, if you find yourself near a fire, you should “immediately call 112 (emergency number).” It also notes that “if you are not in danger and have appropriate clothing (long-sleeved clothes, boots, and gloves), try to extinguish it [the fire] with shovels, hoes, or branches.”
It also advises not to obstruct the efforts of firefighters, forest rangers, and other rescue forces and to follow any instructions given.
If there are vehicles blocking access paths to the fire, they should be removed. Additionally, if you notice “the presence of individuals exhibiting risky behavior, inform the authorities.”
The arrival of summer and the heat also bring a higher risk of fire, and for this reason, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection has offered some advice for people to know what to do in these situations.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:46 – 07/07/2025
It should be noted that yesterday, Sunday, several municipalities of mainland Portugal, mostly in the interior, were at maximum risk of rural fire due to hot temperatures.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) also placed almost all municipalities in the 18 districts of the mainland at very high and high risk.
It is recalled that in 2024, the area that burned was the largest in the past six years, with more than 14,000 hectares burning due to 735 fires.
