The fires in Tabuaço (Viseu), Covilhã (Castelo Branco), Trancoso (Guarda), and Vila Real continue to burn actively. Meanwhile, significant fires in Moimenta da Beira (Viseu) and Caldas das Rainhas are reportedly under control.
The blaze in Tabuaço, located in the north of Viseu district, has an active front in a difficult-to-access area and is still spreading, as stated by the Douro Sub-regional Command.
At approximately 4:15 am, 215 operatives supported by 73 ground units were combating this fire, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) website.
In Vila Real, there are 282 operatives backed by 99 ground units fighting an ongoing active front, the same source confirmed.
In Freches, Trancoso, as of 4:15 am today, 697 firefighters supported by 224 vehicles were on the scene. The Beiras and Serra da Estrela Sub-regional Command reported that “two sectors are active and two sectors are under control” in the area.
In Sobral de São Miguel, Covilhã, of the three fronts, “one is active and two are under control,” added the same source, noting that 523 operatives with 166 vehicles are working on the ground.
There are reports of 37 injuries across the four fires.
Portugal remains on alert due to the fire risk. Multiple recent fires in the north and central regions have already devastated nearly 60,000 hectares this year.
Pedro Araújo, ANEPC operations officer, noted during a briefing at 11:00 pm on Monday that “37 victims, including civilians and operatives, received on-site medical attention or were classified as minor injuries and transported to hospitals.”
Twelve districts in mainland Portugal are under an orange warning due to heat, primarily until the end of Thursday, announced the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on Monday.
Bragança, Évora, Guarda, Beja, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre are under an orange warning, the second highest alert level, due to “persistent very high maximum temperatures,” expected to continue until 6:00 pm on Thursday.
Viseu and Vila Real districts will switch to a yellow warning from 6:00 pm on Tuesday, returning to orange warning from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Thursday, according to an IPMA statement.
The government has extended the national alert status until Wednesday, August 13, due to the forest fire risk.
The continuation of the alert status is based on two main reasons: the forecast of high temperatures across the country in the coming days and the reduction of ignitions due to enacted prohibitions.
The measures include a ban on access, circulation, and presence in forest areas, as outlined in the Municipal Forest Defense Against Fires Plans, as well as on conducting burns and setting off fireworks. Previously issued permits for these activities are suspended.
The alert status also bans work in forest and rural areas using machinery and the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. All previously issued authorizations are suspended.
