More than 250 people arrested this year for arson crime

This year, over 250 individuals were arrested for suspected forest fire crimes, with 31 in preventive detention. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority reported 255 arrests, primarily by the National Republican Guard and the Judiciary Police. A total of 8,573 fires occurred, burning 74,560 hectares, marking a 72% decrease in area burned despite a nearly 6% increase in the number of fires compared to 2025. The year 2026 recorded the fifth lowest number of fires and the sixth highest area burned in the decade. The Interior Minister emphasized the effectiveness of teamwork in early fire response, with 94% of fires contained at the initial attack phase. Additionally, incidents lasting over 24 hours decreased by 59%. Tragically, three firefighters lost their lives this year, two while combating fires.