In a clarification sent to Lusa, the PGR states that preliminary data indicatse the establishment of about 3,300 inquiries and that “the number of accusations will be in the order of six/seven dozen” so far.

However, the PGR stresses that this statistic is not yet consolidated and excludes the months of July and August, in which the number of fires in the country significantly increased, a situation that may be reflected in further investigations by the MP in the second half of this year.

The register of cases initiated is, for the time being, in line with previous years. According to the data provided, in 2021, 7,025 investigations were opened for the crime of forest fire - whether committed intentionally or through negligence - and charges were brought in 169 investigations.

In 2020, the PGR opened 6,967 inquiries into this crime and presented indictments in 257 inquiries. As for 2019, MP data showed 6,980 inquiries and 157 accusations.