A 37-year-old man with a history of arson has been arrested in El Prat de Llobregat. Authorities link him to three recent wildfires near homes. Police report he resisted arrest and faces multiple charges.
A man previously known to authorities for setting wildfires has been arrested in El Prat de Llobregat (Barcelona) after three new fires erupted in a vegetated area close to residential buildings. The 37-year-old suspect, who already faced pending charges for earlier incidents in the same region, was detained last Saturday following a joint operation by Agentes Rurales and Mossos d’Esquadra.
According to the Catalan police, the fires broke out in the early hours of July 18 in the Les Palmeres area, a peri-urban zone with dense grass and shrubs near several homes. Investigators found evidence that synthetic, highly flammable materials were used to ignite and accelerate the spread of the flames. The affected areas measured 24, 69, and 28 square meters, as estimated by Agentes Rurales.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a local resident. When approached for identification, he reportedly reacted violently, hurling insults and threats at the agents. Mossos d’Esquadra ultimately detained him, adding charges of resisting police intervention and making threats to the existing accusation of arson, which carries potential prison time under Spanish law.
The man’s criminal record includes several previous arson cases, including one in the protected natural area of La Ricarda. He was already awaiting trial for those incidents when the latest fires occurred. The current investigation remains open as authorities continue to gather evidence and clarify the circumstances surrounding the recent outbreaks.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about wildfire risks in peri-urban zones of Catalonia, where proximity to residential areas increases the potential danger. In recent years, Spanish authorities have intensified efforts to prevent and prosecute arson, especially during the summer months when vegetation is most vulnerable. The legal framework for wildfire-related crimes in Spain allows for significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness with which these offenses are treated. For context, high-profile legal proceedings involving public safety and criminal responsibility, such as the recent trial of a former Interior Minister over alleged espionage operations, have also drawn public attention to the challenges of law enforcement and justice in Spain. More details on such cases can be found in reports like the coverage of the Kitchen case trial.
