In the province of Ávila (Castilla y León), police have detained a man who confessed to deliberately starting a large forest fire between Cuevas del Valle and Mombeltrán. According to investigators, the suspect had previously worked for the fire service and secured new employment ten days after the blaze began.
The fire broke out on July 28 and quickly spread, reaching the second level of potential danger by the next day. As a result, at least 2,200 hectares of forest were destroyed, affecting several municipalities including Cuevas del Valle, Mombeltrán, El Arenal, and Arenas de San Pedro. In some towns, residents had to be evacuated.
A technical examination carried out by specialists from the Nature Protection Service and the fire investigation team revealed clear signs of arson. The investigation began on July 30 and included interviews with local residents as well as analysis of several leads. Multiple units of the Ávila Civil Guard participated in the operation.
During police operations, attention was drawn to a man who displayed suspicious behavior when law enforcement officers arrived on July 31. After gathering evidence and conducting an interrogation, the detained man admitted to setting the fire.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Court of First Instance and the Environmental and Urban Planning Prosecutor’s Office in Arenas de San Pedro. The arrest operation involved members of the nature protection unit, public safety officers, and technical experts from the regional administration.
The fire was fully brought under control only on August 1. In just a few days, the blaze caused significant damage to natural areas, becoming one of the largest incidents of its kind in the region in recent years.
Authorities emphasize the importance of thoroughly investigating such crimes and remind the public of the serious liability for intentional arson, which threatens lives and the environment.
