Hernâni Carvalho stated that the fire, which crossed into national territory on Monday morning in the Montalegre area, “has an active front, yielding to the resources, and the efforts are progressing favorably.”
The fire is burning in an area of scrubland and forest, with approximately 160 personnel involved in the effort, supported by one aerial unit.
The Chief of Operations indicated that no villages are at risk and the fire line is at the border.
On Monday afternoon, the fire approached the village of Vilar de Perdizes, where firefighters focused on defending houses and warehouses.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, especially in the North and Center regions, amid high temperatures that led to the declaration of an alert status since August 2.
The fires have resulted in two fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, most of which are minor. They have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, through which two Fire Boss planes were deployed to bolster firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, more than 201,000 hectares have burned in the country up to August 19, surpassing the area burned throughout the entirety of 2024.
