The National Republican Guard (GNR) announced that road closures were occurring in both directions.
The municipalities of Távora in Sernancelhe and Granjinha in Tabuaço fall within the Viseu district, while Penaverde is a parish in Aguiar da Beira, and Maceira is located in Fornos de Algodres, in the Guarda district.
National roads 323 and 330 were closed earlier in the afternoon.
Rio de Mel is situated in the municipality of Trancoso, within the Guarda district.
More than 2,150 personnel were battling six major active wildfires in mainland Portugal at 5:00 PM today, supported by 682 vehicles and 23 aircraft, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
As reported on the ANEPC website at 5:00 PM, the fire that demanded the most resources ignited today around 5:00 AM in Piódão, Arganil municipality, Coimbra district, involving 640 personnel, 195 ground vehicles, and 10 aircraft.
In addition to this fire, the Civil Protection identified five other significant ongoing fires: in Tabuaço (Viseu district), Trancoso (Guarda), Vila Real, Sátão (Viseu), and another in the Viseu municipality.
The GNR emphasizes that the protection of people and property, concerning rural fires, remains a priority for the military security force, supported by preventive measures and enhanced patrolling in forest areas.
The GNR reminds that bonfires and burnings are major causes of wildfires in Portugal and that they are prohibited whenever there is a ‘very high’ or ‘maximum’ rural fire danger level, requiring authorization or prior communication at other times.
The GNR urges the public to avoid accidents, adhere to safety rules, stay accompanied, keep a phone on hand, and contribute to fire prevention and combat by refraining from high-risk activities such as making fires near forested areas.
Civilians should follow the instructions of authorities on the scene and avoid parking on roads used by firefighting vehicles, as this could impede access to affected areas.
The GNR also advises against traveling to fire-affected areas unless involved in firefighting efforts, as it could hinder their operations.
The public should report any activities that could lead to fires and call 112 if a fire is spotted.
The Government has extended the alert status until the end of Friday due to forecasts indicating a rise in temperature and an increased risk of rural fires.
