Arrests in connection with the wildfires have already been made according to state government delegate in the Canary islands, Maria del Carmen Hernandez Bento.
However the Guardia Civil are following up various leads on the origin of the fire that razed more than 10 percent of the surface area of La Gomera.
Details about these arrests are not being released to the press as this “may prejudice the investigation” but Ms Hernandez Bento stressed that the Guardia Civil are putting all their resources to solving the crimes.
“There have been arrests, but detaining someone does not mean that person is guilty. There has to be further investigation, its possible that these acts were not even intentional, because there may be varying degrees of culpability. Irresponsibility in a barbecue area is not arson ” she added.
“During the day time there are a thousand reasons for the start of a fire, like discarded cigarettes or bottles acting as magnifying glasses, but those that start during darkness are more suspicious.”
Ms. Hernandez Bento went on to say she was surprised by, and could not understand the statements made yesterday by President of the Canary Islands, Pauline Rivero, saying he believes that the fires were intentionally started.
” We are still investigating ” stressed the delegate.
What both officials do agree on is the need for anyone who has information on the origin of a fire to contact the security forces.
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