A 14-year-old boy admitted setting several fires in Portugal, using matches after riding his scooter into forests.
Police suspect he started blazes in Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela.
The boy told officers he acted out of frustration over poor school results and social struggles.
Authorities have not ruled out that he acted with others.
Authorities Investigate Repeated Fires
Police launched inquiries after wildfires repeatedly erupted in the same parishes during summer.
Officials reported daily destruction, alarming residents and burning large areas of forest.
Braga Judicial Police completed the investigation and transferred the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Public Prosecutor will forward the case to the Family and Children’s Court.
Police Arrest Arson Suspects
By 20 August, police had arrested 52 individuals on arson suspicions, mostly during August, according to Lusa news agency.
Firefighters Battle Vinhais Blaze
On Friday morning, emergency services reported 97 fires burning, with most under control.
The Vinhais fire remained the most dangerous, active on three fronts since Tuesday morning.
Authorities deployed over 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six planes to tackle the blaze.
Officials contained two fronts but struggled to access the third.
Weather Helps Firefighting Efforts
Temperatures dropped over the past week, aiding firefighting operations.
Friday forecasts ranged between 14°C and 32°C with cloudy skies across most regions.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) placed the interior and southern regions on maximum wildfire alert.
