A 37-year-old man was arrested on 18 July on suspicion of starting three forest fires in Les Palmeres, El Prat de Llobregat, Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, said. The fires were in a peri-urban area near several homes, placing nearby residents at potential risk if the flames had spread.
The fires began during the early hours of 18 July in land covered by grasses and shrubs. Generalitat Firefighters brought them under control, preventing greater damage, according to the Catalan police.
Three separate areas affected near homes
Residents were potentially threatened by the spread of the flames.Mossos d'Esquadra
Agents Rurals, Catalonia's rural enforcement officers, estimated that the three fires affected separate areas of:
- 24 square metres
- 69 square metres
- 28 square metres
During their investigation, Agents Rurals found indications that highly flammable synthetic material had been used to help ignite and spread the fires, police said.
Police say suspect also faces allegations over threats
The suspect is a local resident, according to the investigation. Police said he reacted violently when officers attempted to identify him, allegedly insulting and threatening them.
He was ultimately arrested by the Mossos d'Esquadra. Police said he has previous records and was awaiting trial over other alleged forest fires in the same area, including one at the protected natural site of La Ricarda.
He is accused of a fire offence, which can carry a prison sentence, and may also face allegations relating to resistance to police and threats to officers. The investigation remains open while further enquiries are carried out.
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