The Beiras and Serra da Estrela sub-regional command for Emergency and Civil Protection has reported that the ongoing wildfire remains active, but efforts to contain it are progressing well as the teams are successfully managing to halt the fire fronts.
There is a “window of opportunity” that could allow the blaze to be controlled by tomorrow morning, supposing current conditions remain unchanged, according to an official.
The fire-affected area is divided into four sectors: one is in the consolidation and cooling phase, another has 25% of its perimeter active, a third sector with 80% active perimeter, and the last sector is already under control.
The situation is generally favorable with resources in position, and there is an increased effort in using tracked machines to entirely enclose the fire’s perimeter overnight, aiming for it to be declared under control by morning. This plan assumes that on-ground conditions remain stable.
Meteorological factors are aiding efforts, with a reduction in wind intensity and an increase in relative humidity.
Seia’s Mayor highlighted that while towns like Vila Cova de Coelheira and Valezim remain concerning, they do not currently pose a risk to the population and have necessary response teams deployed.
Luciano Ribeiro stated that the municipal emergency and civil protection plan, set to remain active until 11:59 PM Monday, facilitates additional public and private resources for community support.
“The aim is to remain actively vigilant and ensure that municipal resources are available both to command operations and to residents,” said the mayor.
Regarding potential damages, Ribeiro noted that assessments are underway following the fire’s path through several towns and industrial areas, where it demolished “an uninhabitable vacant house” and some agricultural outbuildings.
The mayor emphasized that firefighting efforts were bolstered by incoming resources and active community participation.
“The afternoon was extremely intense and chaotic,” he described, mentioning “strong winds with no precise direction.”
As per the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), as of 11:00 PM, there were 626 personnel engaged in firefighting activities, supported by 192 ground vehicles.
