A 14-year-old boy confessed to igniting wildfires in Portugal using matches after riding to forests on a scooter.
Police believe he caused fires in Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela.
Investigators say he acted out of anger over poor school results and social isolation.
Investigation Escalates in Affected Regions
Police launched inquiries after repeated fires broke out in the same locations.
Authorities confirmed several hectares of woodland burned daily, alarming residents throughout summer.
Braga Judicial Police transferred the case to prosecutors, who will present it before the Family and Children’s Court.
Firefighting Efforts Continue Nationwide
By 20 August, police had arrested 52 arson suspects, most caught in August.
Emergency services confirmed 97 fires remained active but nearly all were under control.
In Vinhais, more than 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six aircraft battled the only blaze still threatening communities.
Weather Provides Relief but Risks Stay High
Dropping temperatures between 14 and 32 degrees aided containment.
Cloudy skies further supported firefighters working on difficult terrain.
Despite improvements, IPMA maintained maximum wildfire risk alerts for Portugal’s southern and interior regions.
