Adolescent confesses to deliberately igniting numerous blazes across Portugal, according to authorities
In a shocking turn of events, a 14-year-old boy has admitted to deliberately starting wildfires in several regions of Portugal. The boy, reportedly acting out of anger and frustration due to poor school performance and social difficulties, is believed to be responsible for the blazes in Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela.
The fires have caused significant concern among the local population and have consumed several hectares of forest, with the fire in the municipality of Vinhais being the only one still significantly active and posing a danger. Over 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six planes were deployed to the Vinhais area to tackle the fire on Friday.
The national criminal police, the Polícia Judiciária, is investigating the boy's actions, and they haven't ruled out the possibility of him acting as part of a group. The Braga Judicial Police carried out the investigation, and they have handed the case over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which will take the case to the Family and Children's Court.
The wildfires have repeatedly begun in these same areas, adding to the worry of the local population. Fortunately, temperatures have been dropping over the last week, aiding firefighting efforts. Despite the drop in temperatures, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has still placed the entire interior and south of the country on maximum alert for very high risk of wildfires.
On Friday, temperatures were expected to be between 14 and 32 degrees Celsius, with cloudy skies almost everywhere in the country. Emergency services reported that as of Friday morning, 97 fires were still burning in Portugal. On two of the fronts, "most of its perimeter is under control", according to a regional commander of the civil protection agency. However, the blaze in Vinhais is active on three fronts, one of which is difficult to access.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. By 20 August, police had already arrested 52 people on suspicion of arson, with most of the arrests made in August. The data regarding the arrests was compiled by the Lusa news agency.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for a swift resolution and a return to safety and peace. The authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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