In a statement, PJ said that through the Vila Real Local Criminal Investigation Unit, it identified and detained a man suspected of having set off seven fire outbreaks in a forest area that covers several parishes in the Alfândega da Fé municipality.

The fires, which occurred on June 22 and 28, July 18, August 03 and September 2 of this year, consumed about 110 hectares of forest area.

"The outbreaks have endangered a vast forest patch consisting of undergrowth, agricultural area, and considerably high-value housing that has not been consumed due to the rapid intervention of fire-fighters," adds PJ.

The 39-year-old detainee, fire-fighter, will also be present for judicial interrogation to apply appropriate enforcement measures.