A Moroccan-origin man has been arrested in connection with a wildfire in Barcelona’s Collserola mountain range that burned more than 54 hectares and forced 35 residents to evacuate, Spanish newspaper La Gaceta reported. Barcelona’s municipal police arrested the man after witnesses reportedly told officers they had seen him setting fire to containers near Alta de […] The post Moroccan-origin man arrested over Barcelona wildfire that burned 54 hectares appeared first on HESPRESS English - Morocco
A Moroccan-origin man has been arrested in connection with a wildfire in Barcelona’s Collserola mountain range that burned more than 54 hectares and forced 35 residents to evacuate, Spanish newspaper La Gaceta reported.
Barcelona’s municipal police arrested the man after witnesses reportedly told officers they had seen him setting fire to containers near Alta de Roquetes road in the Nou Barris district, close to where the blaze is believed to have started.
The suspect appeared before a judge Thursday as investigators continued to determine whether the fire was deliberately set and whether he was involved.
Police reportedly found several lighters in the suspect’s possession. Investigators also recovered a cigarette butt and several lighters near the suspected point of origin of the fire. Catalan police are examining the items for possible links to the suspect.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon and remained active through much of Wednesday, spreading across more than 50 hectares of the Collserola mountain range.
Its proximity to residential areas prompted authorities to evacuate 35 people as firefighters and other emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.
Witnesses later told police that the suspect allegedly said he had heard voices telling him to start fires. Investigators are expected to examine the claim as part of their inquiry.
Catalonia’s Mossos d’Esquadra police are reconstructing the suspect’s movements before and during the fire and comparing evidence recovered from the suspected point of origin with items found in his possession.
Authorities have not established whether the evidence directly links him to the blaze.
The investigation will determine whether the Collserola fire was intentionally set and whether the suspect can be held criminally responsible.
The case comes as authorities across Spain remain on heightened alert for wildfires during the summer, with fires threatening populated areas in several regions.
The post Moroccan-origin man arrested over Barcelona wildfire that burned 54 hectares appeared first on HESPRESS English - Morocco News.
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