The municipality of Castelo Branco has announced the establishment of a Fire Support Desk to aid residents affected by the August wildfires in the region. This initiative aims to streamline the application process for support measures.
The mobile support desk will visit the affected villages in the parishes of São Vicente da Beira, Almaceda, and Louriçal do Campo.
The support measures focus on rebuilding homes, reviving economic activities, assisting farmers, repairing infrastructure and equipment, restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, reforesting areas, and mitigating environmental impacts.
Additionally, an exceptional support fund of up to 10,000 euros will be provided to farmers for assessed damages with joint inspections conducted by municipal technical staff and the Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Center (CCDRC).
Eligible damages include losses related to animals, annual crops, perennial plantations, machinery, equipment, and agricultural support facilities.
The fire began on the 13th in Arganil, Coimbra district, affecting the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Oliveira do Hospital (Coimbra), Seia (Guarda), and Covilhã, Castelo Branco, and Fundão (Castelo Branco).
Provisional official data indicates that by August 23, approximately 250,000 hectares had been burned nationwide, with over 57,000 hectares affected in the fire that started in Arganil.
