Four Arrested in Four Days for Starting Wildfires in Portugal

In a concerning trend, four individuals have been detained over the past four days for allegedly starting wildfires across Portugal. The arrests come as the country battles multiple active fires, with hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blazes.

Recent Arrests Highlight Ongoing Crisis

• A 56-year-old woman was detained in Arouca on suspicion of starting a fire while firefighters were combating multiple fronts in the area.
• On July 30, a suspect was arrested for four forest fire crimes in Terras de Bouro and Vieira do Minho.
• The same day, a 58-year-old man was detained in Peso da Régua after a fire consumed a forest area predominantly of cork oaks, oaks, and strawberry trees.
• Earlier, on July 28, a 34-year-old man was arrested in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo for accidentally starting a fire during agricultural work.

Current Fire Situation

• The fire in Penafiel, which spread to Gondomar, remains active but is under control, with 177 operatives and two aerial means deployed.
• In Terras de Bouro, six aircraft joined the fight against a fire that started in Ponte da Barca and spread, threatening the Vilarinho das Furnas dam area.
• A fire in Ponte de Lima has been dominated after consuming over 800 hectares of forest and brush, described as a "rich forest of Ponte de Lima."

Environmental and Health Concerns

The environmental association Zero has raised alarms about the fine particles emitted by wildfires, highlighting them as a significant public health concern, especially for vulnerable populations.

Efforts to combat these fires continue, with authorities urging caution and preparedness as the situation develops.