A 65-year-old man has been arrested in northern Albania after allegedly setting three fires in the village of Gziq, police said.

The arrest came after officers from the Mirditë Police Station launched a three-day operation, codenamed “Piromani,” following intelligence received by authorities and subsequent surveillance in the area.

Police identified the suspect as Pashk Marku, 65, a resident of Gziq, in the Rrëshen administrative unit of Mirditë Municipality.

Authorities said Marku was caught in the act after allegedly setting three separate fire sites in the village. The flames subsequently spread to a forested area.

Firefighters, working alongside police officers, quickly brought the fires under control, according to authorities.

Police said their preliminary investigation indicates that Marku may also be responsible for several other fires reported across Mirditë Municipality.

Investigators from the Mirditë Police Station, working under the direction of prosecutors, are continuing to document the alleged incidents and determine whether the suspect was involved in additional cases of arson.

Marku has been arrested on suspicion of destroying property by fire and destroying forests and forested environments by fire, according to police.

The procedural materials will be submitted to the prosecution for further action as the investigation continues.