A 52-year-old man was detained on suspicion of causing a forest fire in Portugal, in the parish of Landim, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Braga district. The case occurred on July 11, when the suspect used a lighter to start the fire with direct flame, as reported by the Portuguese Judicial Police.
After being presented to the Court and interrogated, the man was released, but was subject to precautionary measures. He is prohibited from carrying lighters, matches, or any object capable of causing fire. In addition, he must report to authorities twice a week while the process is ongoing.
The fire started in the late afternoon, on a day characterized by high temperatures, dry weather, and wind. The combination of these weather conditions with the characteristics of the rural area increased the risk of flame propagation, worsening the fire situation.
