Austrian firefighter accused of setting fires then joining the response
A 28-year-old in the Oberpullendorf district admitted starting three small blazes in July and August by throwing burning paper from his car.
An Austrian firefighter has been accused of deliberately setting several small fires in the Oberpullendorf district and then taking part in fighting them, police said. The suspect, a 28-year-old man, admitted to starting three such blazes in July and August.
Authorities say the man allegedly threw burning paper out of his car onto dry meadows, which ignited the fires. All three incidents were relatively small and were brought under control quickly, with no injuries and no material damage reported.
Police inquiry and the suspect's motive
According to the report, the firefighter later went to the scenes of the fires to help extinguish them; in two cases he is said to have called emergency services himself. During a police interview he told investigators he did not want to cause serious consequences but "I was looking for action."
Investigators have filed a complaint against the man on suspicion of arson. The case remains under investigation as authorities review the circumstances and any possible disciplinary or criminal measures.
Local officials emphasized that while the incidents did not result in damage or injuries, deliberate ignition of fires is treated seriously given the risk of rapid escalation under dry conditions.
Photo: EPA/SOPHIE GARCIA
