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Arson Evidence Found in Multiple Small Fires Near Sispony, Andorra

Investigators suspect arson after finding a barbecue fire starter at sites of small vegetation fires in La Massana parish over the weekend. Fire crews contained all blazes swiftly, averting major damage amid dry conditions.

Key Points

  • Police recovered fire accelerator tablet suggesting deliberate arson in vegetation fires near Sispony road and hotel.
  • Friday fire burned <1 hectare of low vegetation; Saturday saw three more small blazes contained quickly.
  • Incidents in privately owned woodland prompted 7 alerts; no suspects identified yet.
  • La Massana official expresses worry amid level 2 fire alert, heat, and drought.

Police in Andorra have found evidence suggesting arson in multiple small vegetation fires near Sispony in La Massana parish, including at least one fire accelerator tablet recovered from the site.

The incidents unfolded over Friday and Saturday in privately owned woodland near the road to Sispony, close to a hotel parking area and the village cemetery. On Friday around 6:45 p.m., firefighters responded to a blaze that started in a field and spread about 20 meters into the woods, burning less than one hectare of low vegetation without reaching tree canopies. Two pump trucks spent two hours extinguishing it after receiving around seven calls from locals spotting thick smoke.

Saturday brought three more small fires in nearly the same spot, starting with the first alert at around 6:20 p.m. Fire crews, already nearby handling firework issues, contained the initial outbreak—covering about 20 square meters of shrubs that threatened to climb into taller vegetation and tree tops—within minutes thanks to shaded, humid conditions. Almost immediately, two additional blazes ignited nearby, each limited to a few square meters. Responders managed seven alerts in total, preventing any major spread or damage.

The discovery of a fire accelerator tablet, such as those used for barbecues, near the road and hotel parking led investigators to suspect deliberate ignition. A motorist reportedly spotted it while alerting crews to smoke. No suspects have been identified, and no further fires have occurred.

Police patrols scoured Sispony for suspicious activity Saturday, joined by the investigation unit and a deputy director. Fire and police officials opened proceedings to confirm origins. Scientific police and inquiry teams examined the sites that afternoon.

La Massana consellera Eva Sansa visited during and after the response, voicing concern amid the parish's level 2 fire alert, heat, and drought. "From the comú, we are very worried about these fire outbreaks and hope to know the causes soon," she said. Both she and officials urged public caution near homes and businesses, with occasional patrols continuing vigilance.

No development plans or complaints are known for the urbanizable private land, which has multiple owners. Investigations remain open as temperatures ease.

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