“The urban area of the village is under control, but the periphery is not,” stated José Barros. “Conditions are ripe for the fire to continue spreading due to high temperatures – in the afternoon, we had around 38 degrees Celsius – and the wind speed and constant change of direction.”
The fire, which started at 1:30 PM in the Feitais area, later moved to Souto Maior, burning brush and pine forest, and by 8:00 PM, it had seven active fronts in four different areas.
The commander noted that the village of Souto Maior was completely surrounded, with fires even burning within the village in areas filled with combustible materials such as pine trees, vines, and yards.
As a precaution, Barros stated, several residents were evacuated from their homes due to intense smoke and their age, with many being elderly. There have been no reported injuries.
The firefighting efforts involve approximately 370 personnel, supported by around 80 vehicles, including firefighters, GNR, Special Fire Force, Red Cross, and INEM. Eight aerial units operated during the afternoon.
Meteorological forecasts are concerning for the night due to the continued wind, with the main worries being the fronts facing Sabrosa village and another moving towards the villages of Delegada and Vale das Gatas.
The fire’s initial spread was rapid, occurring in a mountainous area with difficult access.
Barros further noted that the area is a new pine forest but poorly managed and lacking breaks.
“Everyone knew and was aware that this area from Souto Maior to the Pinhão river had enormous risk potential, and nothing has been done to mitigate it. This fire is being fought with much difficulty,” he emphasized.
