A 14-year-old boy admitted setting several wildfires in Portugal using matches after riding to forested areas on a scooter.
Police suspect he started blazes in Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela.
The boy told officers he felt frustrated over poor school results and struggles socializing with peers.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he acted as part of a group.
Authorities Investigate Repeated Fires
Police launched investigations after wildfires repeatedly struck the same regions during summer.
Officials reported daily destruction and widespread concern among residents, with hundreds of hectares burned.
Braga Judicial Police completed the investigation and sent the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office will bring the case to the Family and Children’s Court.
Mass Arrests and Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
By 20 August, police arrested 52 people suspected of arson, most during August.
Emergency services reported 97 fires still burning on Friday morning, though most remained under control.
The Vinhais fire posed the greatest threat, burning across three fronts since Tuesday.
Authorities deployed over 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six planes to contain the blaze.
Officials said two fronts were largely contained, while one remained difficult to access.
Weather and Warnings Impact Fire Response
Falling temperatures over the past week aided firefighting operations.
Forecasters expected Friday temperatures between 14 and 32 degrees Celsius, with cloudy skies across the country.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere placed the interior and southern regions on maximum wildfire alert.
