Man arrested over repeated fires in Straßwalchen

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of setting several fires in Straßwalchen, ORF Salzburg reported. He has partially admitted to the allegations.

Two fires broke out in separate cellar compartments of the same residential building on September 30 and October 1. Police began investigating on October 2, with the assistance of a court-appointed expert and a specialist fire-detection dog. Investigators concluded that both fires had been deliberately set.

The man, who is from the Flachgau region, admitted causing one of the two fires but denied involvement in the other, police said.

Investigators also linked him to another suspected arson in the same area in early October. He partially admitted to that allegation. The Salzburg public prosecutor’s office ordered his arrest on Friday.