It was reported on 19th September that the Judicial Police had arrested a 42 year old man for causing three fires in forest areas between 10th – 12th September 2015. This resulted in the destruction of bushes and pine trees covering an area of 43,000 square meters in the district of Viseu.

The man started the fires by lighting candles with a cigarette lighter and then informed villagers who in turn informed the GNR. His aim was to watch the emergency response units dealing with the fires!

So far this year the Judicial Police have identified 49 people responsible for illegally starting fires.