Barcelona wildfire investigation leads to arrest

A man has been arrested in connection with a major wildfire that destroyed over 54 hectares of the Collserola mountain range in Barcelona. The blaze, which began on a Tuesday afternoon, necessitated the evacuation of residents in areas such as Torre Baró and Ciutat Meridiana due to the immediate threat to populated zones.

The arrest was conducted by the Guàrdia Urbana after the suspect was allegedly caught in the act of burning containers in the Nou Barris district. While the individual faces charges for the crime of damages related to the containers, the Mossos d’Esquadra are investigating his potential involvement in the larger Collserola wildfire.

Investigators recovered multiple lighters and a cigarette butt near the suspected ignition site. During the investigation, the suspect reportedly claimed to have heard voices instructing him to ignite fires. Although the suspect was presented before a judge, he has been released pending further investigation to determine if there is direct evidence linking him to the wildfire.