Firefighting aircraft operations were scaled down as night fell and visibility decreased.
An official from the Beiras and Serra da Estrela Sub-regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command stated that the main focus for the teams battling the fire in the Serra da Estrela region, Guarda district, is to protect homes due to strong winds.
No villages have been evacuated, but the Seia Municipal Council advises through social media that the directive is to remain in place for all affected areas.
A social media post from the Seia Municipal Council highlights that several roads are closed or restricted, including the municipal roads connecting Corgas to Sandomil, Carragozela to Várzea, National Road 17 between Ponte de Santiago and Oliveira do Hospital, and between Santiago and Santa Eulália, the Assamassa Road between S. Romão and Catraia de S. Romão, and access routes to Vila Cova à Coelheira.
The council urges residents to stay alert, follow authorities’ guidance, avoid traveling to affected areas, and adhere to road signage and instructions on the ground.
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) also reports another significant fire incident involving brushwood in the Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo municipality, Guarda district, which started at 4:22 PM. This fire is being tackled by 81 personnel, 24 vehicles, and one aircraft.
