The Animal Intervention and Rescue (IRA), a Non-Governmental Organization, reported that five IRA teams—two from Porto and three from Lisbon—rescued various animals alive from the wildfires in Portugal over the past six days. The rescues included 60 sheep, 19 dogs, 16 cats, 20 rabbits, eight goats, one donkey, and an undetermined number of chickens, turkeys, and parakeets.
The organization also reported the death of “at least 350 pigs on a pig farm in a fire in Santarém.”
In Parada, Arouca (Aveiro), “60 sheep, 12 cats, and five dogs” were evacuated.
In Aguiar Sousa, Paredes (Porto district), “20 rabbits, five dogs, two cats, and an undetermined number of turkeys and parakeets” were rescued and relocated.
In Fornos, Castelo de Paiva (Aveiro), six goats, one donkey, and an undetermined number of chickens and turkeys were saved.
In Alvarenga (Arouca), two goats, two dogs, and one cat were rescued. In Bouças (Arouca), two dogs were rescued. In Nicho (Arouca), one cat was rescued. In Vila Viçosa (Arouca), two dogs were rescued.
In Sebolido (Gondomar, Porto district), two dogs with severe injuries were assisted.
The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion announced that the government will promptly support individuals affected by the recent wildfires, ensuring that “small amounts” will be paid without paperwork.
Almost all municipalities in Bragança, Vila Real, Guarda, Viseu, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, and Faro are currently at maximum risk of rural fire, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).
