Arrested for starting a forest fire caused by a fire
According to the Vila Real Territorial Command, the 43-year-old man had allegedly started a fire to melt copper wires, giving rise to a forest fire that broke out on Friday (1).
The Guard's military personnel conducted "police investigations that determined that the fire originated from a fire to melt copper wire," and a lighter and 50 meters of copper were seized from the suspect. The man was arrested and charged, and the case was referred to the Chaves Judicial Court.
The GNR guarantees to remain vigilant in preventing and combating rural fires, "actively contributing to the criminal accountability of their perpetrators and to the protection of people, property and natural heritage."
According to the security force, "the protection of people and property, in the context of rural fires, continues to be one of the GNR's priorities, supported by preventive action and patrolling efforts in forest areas."
The GNR also emphasizes that burning and slash-and-burn “are the main causes of fires in Portugal”.
At this time, burning, burning piles and bonfires is prohibited due to the “very high” level of rural fire danger, and is dependent on authorization or prior communication at other times.
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