The fire experienced two significant reignitions and entered resolution phase again by Monday evening. As of 10:40 a.m. today, the scene is being managed by 98 personnel, supported by 28 vehicles and three aircraft, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
Mário Artur Lopes, the mayor of Murça, stated that since 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the blaze had consumed approximately 1,100 hectares within the two municipalities of the Vila Real district. He cautioned that there are ongoing concerns about reignitions.
The “extreme conditions of heat and wind” posed a significant challenge in combating the fire, which spread across areas of brush, forest (pine and eucalyptus), impacting pastures, gardens, and chestnut grove areas.
The fire ignited in Carva, in the Union of Parishes of Carva and Vilares, moved towards the Asnela area, and then on the summit of the Madorras mountain range, split towards Perafita and Fiolhoso, without threatening villages.
With no other major fires in this region of the country, there was a substantial mobilization of resources, both land and air, with up to 14 aerial units engaged in the operation.
Mário Artur Lopes emphasized the excellent work carried out by all involved in the firefighting efforts, including firefighters, GNR military personnel, and members of the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF).
The fire entered resolution on Saturday, experienced a reignition early that afternoon, and re-entered resolution by Saturday night.
On Monday, it was initially declared to be concluding, then put under surveillance, and by 4:00 p.m. experienced another reignition, which was resolved by 8:00 p.m.
