14-year-old boy admits to deliberately starting wildfires in Portugal: The reason will shock you

A 14-year-old boy in Portugal has admitted to deliberately starting several wildfires, according to police statements reported by euronews. The teenager confessed to riding his scooter into forest areas and igniting blazes with matches, telling investigators that frustration over poor school performance and difficulties socialising with peers had motivated his actions. The fires, which spread across parishes including Seidões, Ardegão, and Arnozela, destroyed several hectares of forest and left local residents alarmed. Police say they believe the boy may have acted alone, though they have not ruled out the possibility of others being involved.


Police link Portugal wildfires to teenager’s deliberate actions
The Polícia Judiciária , Portugal’s national criminal police, said the boy admitted to setting the fires intentionally during questioning. Investigators believe he acted out of “anger and frustration” linked to his academic struggles and fragile social relationships. Officials highlighted that the same areas had been repeatedly struck by wildfires during the summer, which triggered suspicions and closer monitoring before the confession was secured.

The Braga Judicial Police, who carried out the investigation, have handed the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. It will now move to the Family and Children’s Court, where the boy could face measures under juvenile law rather than adult criminal penalties. Authorities stressed the seriousness of the case, noting that by late August at least 52 people had been arrested across Portugal on suspicion of arson, according to data compiled by the Lusa news agency.


Ongoing wildfire challenges
Portugal continues to face widespread fire risks despite recent cooler weather. As of Friday morning, 97 wildfires were still burning nationwide, although most had been brought under control. The most dangerous blaze was in the municipality of Vinhais, where more than 400 firefighters, 140 vehicles, and six aircraft were deployed. Lower temperatures have eased firefighting efforts, but the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has kept much of the interior and south on maximum alert due to the very high risk of further outbreaks.