Rabat – Security services have arrested a man who is suspected of intentionally setting the Houara forest on fire in Tangier.
A statement from the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Tangier indicated that the arrest followed an investigation that the Royal Gendarmerie opened to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Preliminary details enabled authorities to arrest an individual who was carrying a bag near the scene of the fire.
Security services’ searches revealed that the bag included ten lighters, a pipe used for consuming kif (cannabis), and a small knife in his possession.
Police placed the suspect into custody pending further investigation to shed more light on the case.
After questioning the suspect, the judge ordered that he be remanded in custody at Tangier Local Prison 2. He is facing charges of deliberately setting fire to a forested area, drug use, and possession of a weapon without a lawful reason.
“The Public Prosecutor’s office will continue to keep the public informed of the results of the investigation and judicial proceedings,” the prosecutor’s statement concluded.
On Tuesday, converging reports stressed that firefighting teams had been continuing their efforts to extinguish a massive blaze that broke out on Monday.
The day’s prevailing dry weather intensified the flames, reports said, noting that the fire consumed at least 41 hectares of land.
