In a Facebook update at 8:30 PM, the Covilhã City Council emphasized that due to the worsening and intensity of the fire front originating from Seia, in the district of Guarda, which entered the neighboring municipality today, confinement is required in these localities.
“The request for populations in the affected areas to remain in a safe place, adopt self-protection behaviors, and always follow the authorities’ indications is reiterated,” the statement read.
The Covilhã municipality also urged the population to avoid “exposure to smoke as well as unnecessary travel to reduce risks and not interfere with rescue operations.”
In a note published at 5:30 PM, the Covilhã municipality had explained that the fire front originating in Seia was progressing “with some intensity.”
It further stated in the same note that the road between Unhais da Serra and Penhas da Saúde was closed to traffic.
Regarding the fire front from Dominguizo/Vales do Rio/Peso/Tortosendo, the City Council noted at 5:30 PM that there had been some reactivations throughout the day.
According to the municipality, these reactivations are being combated and do not pose a risk to populations.
This fire, which began on the 13th in Arganil, in the district of Coimbra, has already affected three municipalities in the Castelo Branco district (Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Covilhã).
The mainland of Portugal has been affected by several large-scale rural fires since July, especially in the North and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in three deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe, and 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, under which it has two Fire Boss planes, with two additional Canadair planes expected to arrive on Friday.
The two Canadair planes sent by Greece to help with the forest fires will arrive in Portugal tomorrow, Friday, and will remain in the country until Monday, August 25.
According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned in the country, more than 53,000 of which in the fire that started in Arganil.
[Updated at 9:15 PM]
Leia Também: Frente de fogo com origem em Seia atinge Covilhã
