Police have arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of setting fire inside a holiday apartment (Alojamento Local, or AL) in the Algarve town of Albufeira on Tuesday.
In a statement, PJ criminal police said the blaze “had the potential to cause great destruction” if it had not been for the swift response of the Albufeira volunteer firefighters.
The apartment rented by the suspect was at risk, along with other units in the same building and neighbouring properties. Police noted that the homes share adjoining walls, meaning the fire could easily have spread.
After an initial investigation, the criminal police force arrested the suspect who is reported to suffer from a chronic mental health condition. He will now appear before a judge for questioning.
