The operational rescue commander (COS), Miguel David, provided an update at 8:00 PM today on the fire that originated in Vila Real and expanded into the municipality of Mondim de Basto on Sunday, where the “most extensive” front is still active.
The fire has three active fronts, which are yielding to combat efforts in the areas of Gontães and Mascoselo.
According to the commander, 542 personnel are operating on the ground, utilizing 174 vehicles and four bulldozers, with a reinforcement of two additional bulldozers expected. During the day, eight aerial means were deployed.
Miguel David, who also serves as the sub-regional commander of Viseu Lafões, mentioned that reinforcements are anticipated in the coming hours, with the strategy focusing on repositioning and coordinated efforts between bulldozers and personnel.
Challenges in battling the fire include the terrain and weather conditions, with significant wind changes from the west.
During the day, it was necessary to confine people (asking them to stay indoors) in Pardelhas and Ermelo, in Mondim de Basto, and Mascoselo (Vila Real), as explained.
“In some cases, to assure residents’ peace and comfort due to smoke and some projections during the fire,” he stated, adding that these confinement situations are no longer in effect.
He also noted that elderly and more vulnerable individuals were evacuated by GNR teams and by their own families as a precaution due to the “environment polluted by smoke and gases.”
“No locality is currently affected. There were situations during the day that were dealt with,” he clarified.
Throughout the day, nine people required assistance, and a firefighter combat vehicle was lost without causing any injuries to the personnel.
