A statement released at 10:30 AM today on Facebook by Pampilhosa da Serra’s Municipal Civil Protection confirms that “there are no people or property at risk,” despite the wildfire burning in the upper region of the municipality showing no significant developments overnight.
The statement urges caution and appeals to the public to avoid risky behaviors and to stay away from affected areas, allowing emergency teams to perform their duties effectively and safely.
The forest fire, which originated in the neighboring municipality of Arganil in the Piódão parish at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, was allegedly caused by a dry thunderstorm lightning strike in the area.
Subsequently, it spread to the municipalities of Oliveira do Hospital and Seia, the latter located in the Guarda district.
The municipality has activated the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan at 12:00 PM today.
This decision, according to the local government, aims to ensure that entities and institutions part of the Municipal Civil Protection Commission activate the necessary resources at a municipal level to enhance the civil protection response.
The DECIR’s special readiness state has been maintained at the maximum level of four since August 11. Also activated are the district-level Emergency and Civil Protection Plans for Viseu and Coimbra, and municipal plans for Trancoso, Oliveira do Hospital, Arganil, Aguiar da Beira, Sátão, Sernancelhe, Seia, Pampilhosa da Serra, Tábua, and Góis.
The ANEPC highlighted the prohibition of access and circulation in forest areas, conducting burns, and suspending issued permits, along with restrictions on work within forest areas using machinery, and other rural activities, as well as the use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, due to the declared alert situation in effect.
