Evacuation efforts are underway, transporting residents to the Mercado dos Produtos Durienses at the Sabrosa city hall.
Ambulances and other emergency vehicles have been deployed to the area as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of the wildfire.
This marks the second major fire affecting the region within two weeks. The first occurred in Souto Maior, while today’s fire started in São Cibrão, Vila Real municipality, spreading to Sabrosa and nearing villages such as Anta, Garganta, the town of São Martinho de Anta, and the county seat area.
As of 10:00 PM, Douro’s deputy sub-regional commander, José Requeijo, reported that resources have been increased to 290 personnel, 92 vehicles, and three bulldozers.
“Our strategy is to first protect the people and buildings, followed by a robust fight against the fire fronts to quickly reduce their intensity and extinguish them,” stated Requeijo.
The fire alert was issued at 2:30 PM.
The Interior Minister announced that mainland Portugal will enter an alert status from Sunday through Thursday due to high wildfire risk in the coming days.
“Given the worsening weather forecasts indicating significant rural fire risk, the Government has decided to declare an alert status across the mainland,” stated Maria Lúcia Amaral, addressing the nation.
The alert status begins at midnight on Sunday and extends until 11:59 PM on Thursday, August 7.
