The Civil Guard, has arrested a man of Spanish nationality accused of starting thirteen forest fires since 2019 in the towns of Biar, Beneixama and Banyeres de Mariola. The accused has been placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction No. 2 of Villena.
While investigating a forest fire that took place at the end of July, close to the town of Biar, Agents from the Villena Civil Guard were able to identify a vehicle at the scene of the fire, but remaining there for less than two minutes.
Subsequent investigations led to the identification of the owner of the vehicle, a local resident, who was also linked to another forest fire that occurred on August 5, 2024 on the CV-803 road, in Banyeres de Mariola. On this occasion, thanks to the collaboration of the Biar Local Police, he was identified in the vicinity of the fire. On after searching his vehicle, flammable products, gloves, matches and other materials for starting fires were found.
After gathering sufficient evidence, the Civil Guard carried out a search of the suspect’s home, where they found a large quantity of flammable products, electronic devices with recordings of various fires, and other objects used to start fires.
The detainee, a 28-year-old Spanish man, is accused of thirteen forest arson offences, and has been placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction No. 2 of Villena, who has ordered his release on bail.
