The weakening of wind strength, combined with the extensive efforts of firefighters from both sides of the border — involving five aerial units, three brigades, and a Spanish tracking machine — contributed to controlling the flames, according to the Sub-Regional Command of Alto Tâmega and Barroso.
The fire, however, still has two active fronts, it was noted.
Three Portuguese firefighters engaged in battling the blaze were injured, one seriously, with burns on his legs, as stated in a release by the Salto fire department.
The severely injured firefighter was airlifted to the hospital in Vila Nova de Gaia and is reported to be stable, the department added.
The other two were considered to have minor injuries, with one being treated as a precaution at the Basic Emergency Service of the Montalegre Health Center, while the other, an assistant commander of Montalegre’s fire brigade, was transported to Chaves Hospital.
The fire is burning through a brush area, with strong winds and poor access routes complicating the firefighting efforts.
As per the Civil Protection Authority’s website, by 19:45, 148 operatives and 48 vehicles were deployed to combat the fire.
