Amidst a blaze threatening multiple homes, Commander Álvaro Fernandes from the National Civil Protection Command confirmed that firefighting units from other regions are being mobilized to address the fire’s severity.
Commander Fernandes reported a firefighter with minor injuries and acknowledged the potential risk to homes, with evacuation of residents not ruled out. “The priority is the defense of infrastructure,” he emphasized.
Currently, 116 personnel and 37 vehicles are actively tackling the fire.
Regarding the concerning wildfire in Arcos de Valdevez, Rodovel, Fernandes indicated it is responding to suppression efforts, now with a single active front, raising hopes for containment soon.
The Arcos de Valdevez effort involves 34 personnel and 10 vehicles.
Earlier, Ponte da Barca’s Mayor, Augusto Marinho, called for additional resources, especially aerial, as fires that started Saturday night near Parada, Lindoso, drew dangerously close to homes.
Marinho expressed the need for more aerial resources, describing the difficult terrain that hampers ground efforts: “During the afternoon, more aerial means were requested, but to no avail.” He noted that reinforcements arrived only as fires neared residential areas.
“The EN 203 road is closed, and the fire is at the doorstep of homes,” he said, considering evacuations as a precaution. “The smoke is dense, making it impossible to enter Parada [Peneda-Gerês National Park]. I urge for more aerial support to aid the residents of Parada, in Lindoso,” Marinho implored.
The fire, which began at 21:47 on Saturday, was initially more controlled, but challenging terrain and wind have exacerbated the situation, Marinho reported.
