A 14-year-old boy told police he started several wildfires in Portugal using matches and a scooter.
Authorities suspect he ignited fires in Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela.
Police said the boy acted out of frustration over school struggles and social difficulties.
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility he acted with others.
Authorities Investigate Repeated Blazes
Police launched inquiries after fires repeatedly appeared in the same parishes during summer.
The investigation found some areas faced daily wildfires, destroying hectares of forest and alarming residents.
Braga Judicial Police transferred the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Family and Children’s Court proceedings.
Arrests and Firefighting Efforts
By 20 August, police arrested 52 suspects on arson charges, mostly in August.
Emergency services reported 97 fires on Friday morning, with most under control.
The Vinhais fire remained the largest threat, spreading on three fronts since Tuesday.
Authorities deployed over 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six planes to contain the blaze.
Firefighters controlled two fronts, while one remained difficult to access.
Falling temperatures aided firefighting, but IPMA issued maximum wildfire alerts for the interior and southern Portugal.
