“We have multiple fronts. At this moment, the fire is moving through the parishes of Fornos, Bairros, Real, and São Pedro do Paraíso,” said the Mayor of Castelo de Paiva, José Rocha, at 12:30 PM.
The mayor stated that the priority right now is the protection of people and property, especially homes. He mentioned that the firefighting efforts are focused on the areas of Salgueiral, Vilar de Eirigo, Gilde, and Gildinho.
José Rocha also mentioned that the fire, which originated from the Arouca blaze, is spreading over a very large area, complicating the efforts of firefighters who are starting to show signs of exhaustion.
“It’s been many hours of battling the fire with significant difficulties due to the rugged terrain and weather conditions, as the wind continues to be relentless,” he said.
He acknowledged that some homes were at risk, but none have been damaged by the flames, adding that the only material damage reported so far is a warehouse belonging to a furniture factory that burned partially.
The mayor further reported that the area of Seixo remains isolated by the flames, yet they’ve maintained telephone contact with individuals who have not left their homes.
“We can’t access the location because the fire is blocking the way, burning on both sides of the road. However, based on the information we have, [the people] have kept in touch by phone, and for now, there is no cause for alarm,” he said.
The municipalities of Castelo de Paiva and Arouca, in the district of Aveiro, activated their Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plans early this morning.
At 12:45 PM, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection’s website indicated that the fire in Canelas/Espiunca, in Arouca, currently involves 601 operatives, 195 vehicles, and six aerial means.
