Arsonist responsible for 15 fires arrested in the south of Tenerife


  • 07-07-2024
  • Tenerife
  • Guardia Civil
  • Photo Credit: Stock Image
Arsonist responsible for 15 fires arrested in the south of Tenerife

A man has been arrested in the municipality of Vilaflor, suspected of starting 15 fires that have severely impacted agricultural properties and large areas of forestland in Tenerife. The damage caused by these fires is estimated at 55,000 euros.

The arrest was made by agents of the Guardia Civil's Nature Protection Unit (SEPRONA) during an operation in the village of La Escalona in Vilaflor, in the south of Tenerife.

According to a police press release, the fires were all in close proximity to each other, within a maximum distance of one kilometre apart, and were always started in the early morning between 5:45am and 6:30am, during the period from August 2023 to June 2024.

The Guardia Civil highlights that a thorough and extensive investigation by their specialised agents led to the collection of sufficient evidence to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect.

At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of various items that could be used to start fires including four lighters, four inflammable sprays, three knives, two box cutters, a multi-tool knife, a wrench, and 5,000 euros in cash.

This arrest marks a significant step in addressing the series of fires that have plagued the Vilaflor area of Tenerife, demonstrating SEPRONA’s commitment to protecting both natural and urban environments from this type of criminal activity.

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