Police Detain Suspect in Castelo Branco Forest Arson Cases

The Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ) arrested a 31‑year‑old man on Thursday in the municipality of Castelo Branco, suspecting him of setting multiple forest fires in the Lameiros do Monte area earlier this month.

Authorities say the suspect is linked to seven ongoing investigations into arson offences, with locals and firefighters noting that rapid detection prevented extensive damage to forested land, farmland, homes and storage facilities. The detainee, who resides near the affected zone, will be presented to the competent judicial authority for the application of precautionary measures.