Portugal’s PJ criminal police have arrested four people believed to have started several wildfires recently, including two elderly women.
In the Algarve, an 81-year-old woman was arrested over suspicion of starting a fire on September 13 in Lugar de Revezes, Ameixial, in Loulé, using a direct flame on dry vegetation. The fire mobilised firefighters from Almodôvar, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, and Faro, as well as local civil protection teams and a GNR patrol. As PJ police point out, temperatures on that day reached 38ºC with relative humidity below 30%, triggering a maximum rural fire risk alert. Authorities note that at least six fires have been recorded in Lugar de Revezes since March 2024, and there is strong evidence linking the octogenarian to them. She will also appear before a judge to determine the appropriate legal measures.
Meanwhile, in the north, a woman of the same age was arrested after being linked to at least five fires in Outeiro, Paredes, between June 26 and August 7. The fires occurred in the same area at similar times of day on different dates. In at least two cases, multiple ignition points were reportedly set in sequence, apparently to increase the spread of the fire. The blazes destroyed around 20 hectares of forest and scrub, threatening both woodland and nearby homes, but were quickly detected and extinguished, PJ police point out. The suspect has not given a motive and will appear before a judge for possible legal measures.
PJ police have since announced the arrest of two other suspected arsonists – a 39-year-old woman, believed to have started at least five wildfires in Candemil, Amarante, in northern Portugal; and a 67-year-old man, suspected of starting a fire in Murça, also in the north. The Amarante fire broke out on Monday, September 22 at 11.35am, and consumed mainly scrubland, threatening extensive forest areas and several high-value homes, while the Murça blaze spread rapidly under very high fire danger conditions, endangering large forest areas and nearby residences before being brought under control thanks to local residents and multiple fire brigades. Both suspects are due to appear before a judge.
