The region is experiencing a serious threat due to multiple fires, as described by Alexandre Favaios who stated, “What we are witnessing is clearly an attack on our territory, following a first ignition at 2 p.m. yesterday in São Cibrão, which then moved to the neighboring municipality of Sabrosa; at 8 p.m., another fire broke out between Mondrões and Torgueda, followed by yet another at 11 p.m. here in Sirarelhos.”
The blaze that began in Sirarelhos spread to Gontães and Vila Cova, burning along three fronts and already reaching the municipality of Mondim de Basto.
“These fronts are clearly what concern us the most. We urge the authorities to continue their work to punish those who are endangering our common home,” Alexandre Favaios emphasized.
There is significant concern focused on Vila Cova.
“After a period of relative calm, the wind has intensified the fire’s spread. It has now entered the territory of the neighboring Mondim municipality, where additional resources are being deployed to assist in a coordinated firefighting effort,” Favaios added.
By 5:30 p.m., approximately 180 personnel were on the ground, supported by 53 vehicles and 10 aerial units.
“Following a particularly demanding morning, where the fire, due to its rapid spread and the prevailing winds, approached residential areas, some residents had to be evacuated as a preventive measure,” he explained.
These individuals are currently sheltering with family members in the village and, according to Favaios, will be able to return home “once all safety conditions are guaranteed.”
“At this time, no homes are in danger, and there have been no damages to houses or casualties. We regret the loss of forest area and agricultural production, which includes chestnut groves and honey production,” he added.
Favaios emphasized that “although villages are not at risk,” the damage is incalculable.
“It is clearly an attack on our municipality, our territory,” he reiterated.
The fire crews have been “truly extraordinary in their efforts to combat the fire and safeguard what is of utmost priority,” he acknowledged, noting that additional resources are anticipated for this incident, including some that might be redirected from the São Cibrão and Sabrosa fires, which have been declared under control.
The other active fire started in Torgueda, where 85 personnel and 25 vehicles are currently engaged.
“This fire does not worry us as much, as there is no threat to people and property in terms of houses, but it is also essential to consolidate the work being done by the men and women on the ground,” he pointed out.
The assessment of damages and the calculation of the burned area will be carried out after the fires are resolved.
