According to information released by the PJ's directorate for the region, a man suspected of being responsible for two forest fires that started on Tuesday in Lordelo, in the municipality of Paredes, was detained and identified. The 68-year-old, who has a criminal record involving domestic violence, is said to have used a cigarette lighter to start the fires in the early hours of Tuesday in forest near a built-up area, in an “apparent unbalanced" psychological state.

Along with the national guard in Paço de Sousa, Penafiel, the PJ also detained another men, 37, who is suspected of having started a fire there - also with a lighter, and also in a state of "mental imbalance" - during the day on 14 April. The fire consumed 15 hectares and put at risk "countless homes" in the area, the PJ said.

The force also detained, together with the national guard, a 57-year-old man suspected of having set a forest fire that started on 19 August in Fafe.

“The suspect is thought to have started the fire moved by feelings of vengeance and possibly while intoxicated," the PJ said, noting that the fire “consumed a small area” only thanks to prompt action by locals, who worked to put it out.

The three detainees are to the brought before a judge for questioning and possible restrictions on their movements.

This year has been the worst in a decade for forest fires in Portugal, with many blazes believed by residents to have been started deliberately.