A 76-year-old man was arrested in Guarda after police caught him in the act of starting a forest fire in Guilhafonso. Police say the suspect allegedly tried to clean his property by setting fires at two separate locations. The blaze was reportedly sparked using a direct flame from a cigarette lighter, without the authorisations required. Investigators said the man lost control of the fire, breaching the duty of care. The flames spread quickly, threatening vegetation areas, a maritime pine and oak patch, and nearby homes. Local residents helped contain the fire, along with PJ inspectors and members of the task team for reducing rural ignitions, who were nearby carrying out other inquiries into similar crimes. Volunteer firefighters from Guarda and Vila Franca das Naves later brought the incident under control. Police said the fire spread near a chestnut tree estimated to be over 500 years old, described as a regional symbol. The PJ also received collaboration from the Environmental Protection unit of the Guarda GNR to determine the causes and starting points. The man was arrested in flagrante delicto and will be presented for the first judicial interview with a view to applying any coercive measures. The investigation is being led by the DIAP in Guarda.