The GNR arrested 173 suspects for the crime of wildfire since the beginning of the year in Portugal, having already investigated 6,200 fires, according to data from the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA). The numbers were presented by the director of SEPNA, Colonel Ricardo Alves, during the criminal investigation workshops held in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, promoted by the Command.
The official highlighted that, over the last 10 years, 2026 is clearly the year with the highest number of arrests. Ricardo Alves stated that this data indicates there is still work to be done in the area of prevention and combat of wildfires in Portugal.
