The firefighters continue their battle against multiple wildfires across Portugal this Monday, August 11, as has been the case for several days.
In an update provided this morning at 9 a.m. by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), three fires are currently deemed “most concerning.”
The most critical situation is in Trancoso, in the district of Guarda, where 625 firefighters are combating the blaze with the help of 213 vehicles and two aerial resources. This fire has two active fronts.
In Covilhã, one active front is being fought by 426 firefighters, supported by 132 ground vehicles, and one aerial support, which is expected to be reinforced shortly, according to ANEPC.
In Tabuaço, operational crews are dealing with another active front. On-site are 86 firefighters, 21 vehicles, and five aerial means.
ANEPC confirmed that “at the moment, there is no knowledge of any settlements threatened by the flames.”
Fires Mobilize About 2,000 Firefighters
Besides these significant wildfires, several smaller ones are ongoing, with around 2,000 operatives engaged across the operations theatre.
Among the fires causing the greatest concern recently was the one in Vila Real, which is now in resolution after having reactivated.
The reactivation of the fire in the Alvão mountain range entered resolution phase at 04:24 hours today after threatening several villages in Vila Real on Sunday, according to ANEPC.
Portugal is currently on alert due to worsening weather forecasts, predicting a rise in temperatures this Monday and a significant rural fire risk. Temperatures are expected to decrease only from the 13th.
During this period, entry, circulation, and stay within forest spaces are prohibited according to municipal forest defense plans against fires. The execution of burnings and the burning of piles is banned, and any authorizations issued for this period are suspended.
The alert status also prohibits forest and rural work involving machinery, as well as the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices, with current authorizations likewise suspended.
