The 51-year-old businessman ran the Lagoa Azul restaurant in Mortagua and was experiencing serious economic difficulties. Trying to attract more customers to the establishment, he set two fires in the forest area near the establishment. The incident occurred on July 27 last year and the businessman, who is forced to remain in his home under electronic surveillance, will begin trial this Wednesday in the Viseu court for two crimes related to the forest fires.
That day at 14:30, after drinking several alcoholic drinks, the man lit a gas burner with a lighter and set fire to dry grass. The fire quickly spread and the suspect fled the scene. The fire was brought under control thanks to the quick intervention of people and Mortagua volunteer firefighters. However, three and a half hours later, at 18.00, 10 meters from the site, the fire resumed.
The prosecutor’s office says that the damage from the fires could exceed one million euros and the restaurant could burn down.
Author: Thiago Virgilio Pereira
Source: CM Jornal
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