Portugal’s Judicial Police detained a 28-year-old man suspected of deliberately setting three forest fires in the Arrifana area of the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, the agency said.

The fires occurred between July 4 and August 1.

According to the investigation, the suspect, who lives in the area, used a lighter to set dry vegetation on fire. As a result of the fires, areas of eucalyptus forest and shrubland in a vast forest zone were destroyed.

The fires broke out in an area with a high risk of rapid fire spread, posing a threat to forest areas, farmland, and nearby homes.

Evidence gathered by investigators points to the deliberate nature of the man’s actions, and he is believed to have been aware of both the illegality of his actions and the danger of the fire spreading.

After his first court hearing, the suspect was placed under house arrest. The investigation is ongoing.