In a statement, the PJ clarified that they arrested the alleged perpetrator of a forest fire that occurred on Sunday afternoon in the parish of Belazaima do Chão, municipality of Águeda, in the district of Aveiro.

The PJ states that the suspect, who was arrested with the collaboration of the Working Group for the Reduction of Ignitions in Rural Areas (ICNF, GNR, and PJ), has a criminal record for the same type of crime and has already served two prison sentences.

According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly started the fire using a direct flame in an area with a lot of dry, low-lying vegetation within a dense forest, and there are also several residences and other buildings nearby.

The Judiciary emphasises that the fire only escaped greater severity because it was detected close to its inception and an immediate alert was issued, allowing for a quick and effective firefight.

"It was not possible to determine any rational motivation or plausible explanation for the acts under investigation, with the actions being based on a possible history of alcoholism and a strong compulsion to commit this type of crime," the same statement states.

According to the Judiciary Police, the 37-year-old detainee will be brought before judicial authorities in the Aveiro district for the first judicial interrogation of a detained defendant and the application of coercive measures.