In a statement published on its website, the Prosecutor’s Office indicates that the man, in pre-trial detention since August, will be tried by a panel of judges for starting forest fires in the towns of Casais, in the municipality of Monchique, and in Bensafrim, in the neighbouring municipality of Lagos.

According to the indictment, the accused, using a lighter, allegedly started three fires in different locations on August 18, in Casais, Vale da Ribeira, and in an area near the Algarve International Racetrack, in the municipality of Monchique.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office states that the fires, “fuelled by strong winds, spread rapidly to the surrounding areas” of scrubland.

According to the accusation, “on the afternoon of August 26th, the accused went to Sítio do Castanheiro, in Bensafrim, and once again, using a direct flame, started a new fire in a forested area.”

In total, the fires “destroyed more than 20 hectares” of undergrowth, eucalyptus trees, sugarcane, and small trees, “not having more serious consequences due to the prompt intervention of the firefighters,” the statement reads.

The man was arrested on August 27th, following an investigation by the Judicial Police, and in his possession were found four lighters and three cans “intended for storing fuel, one of which contained approximately three litres of gasoline,” the Prosecutor’s Office concludes.