The sub-regional commander of Alto Tâmega e Barroso, Artur Mota, reported that the firefighting efforts on Friday night proceeded as expected, with the fire nearly under control.
“They are progressing slowly due to difficult access, but only one front of about 200 meters remains to be subdued,” detailed Artur Mota.
The blaze occurred in a bushy area, and efforts were hampered by strong winds and poor access roads.
The advancement in containment was attributed to a decrease in wind strength, combined with a robust response from firefighters on both sides of the border, involving five aircraft, three brigades, and a Spanish bulldozer.
Three Portuguese firefighters were injured in the battle against the flames on Friday afternoon. One sustained serious injuries, suffering leg burns, according to a statement from the Salto fire department.
The seriously injured firefighter was airlifted to Vila Nova de Gaia hospital and is in stable condition, the department added.
Artur Mota noted at 11:30 p.m. on Friday that the two slightly injured firefighters had already been discharged.
As of 12:15 a.m., 157 personnel remained at the site, supported by 50 vehicles, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection’s website.
In Tortosendo, located in the Covilhã municipality of Castelo Branco district, a fire broke out at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, mobilizing 56 personnel and 16 vehicles by 12:15 a.m. today.
