Two detained, suspected of starting forest fires, for 2017 total of 70
Two detained, suspected of starting forest fires, for 2017 total of 70
23 August 2017
published by http://www.theportugalnews.com
Portugal – Portugal’s criminal investigation force, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), announced that it had detained two men suspected of setting fires in Cabeceiras de Basto and Vila Real, raising to 70 the number of people detained so far this year for starting forest fires.
In the case of Cabeceiras de Basto, the suspect is a 44-year-old retiree, resident in the village where the fire started. According to the PJ, he is believed to have started the fire prompted by feelings of vengeance and possible state of intoxication.
The fire consumed a small area [and] only did not take on greater proportions thanks to the prompt intervention of locals who immediately combatted it.
In Vila Real, police identified and detained a 25-year-old suspected of starting a fire in forest in Mondrões.
The fire, which started on 13 August, burned a large area of forest.
The two suspects are to be brought before a judge to decide whether they are to be held on remand.
