Continental Portugal is currently dealing with multiple wildfires across various regions. Social media is flooded with videos and images from numerous locations, such as Ponte de Lima in Viana do Castelo and Nisa in Portalegre.
Arouca (Aveiro)
The fire in Arouca, within the Aveiro district, is one of the most concerning, according to the Civil Protection. The site has mobilized 721 personnel, supported by 245 vehicles and seven aerial resources.
Ponte da Barca (Viana do Castelo)
During a press conference on Tuesday, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Commander, Mário Silva, reported that the fire in Lindoso, Ponte da Barca, has already “consumed about 2,000 hectares” between Saturday night and 08:00 today.
In the parish of Ermida, one of the most affected areas, residents had to be evacuated from their homes due to the imminent threat of the blaze.
Penamacor (Castelo Branco)
The fire in Penamacor has also raised concerns. However, at the early afternoon briefing held by the Civil Protection, the national commander indicated that Penamacor is expected to reach “resolution in the coming hours.” “As of 8:00, only 30% of the fire was active.”
Ponte de Lima (Viana do Castelo)
In Ponte de Lima, the fire broke out on Monday night in the parish of Rebordães (Santa Maria).
“The fire started at 22:47 on Monday. By 01:00, it had grown considerably. Overnight, firefighters had the fire under control, but between 06:00 and 07:00, the wind picked up, and it flared up again. It was at this time that aerial resources should have been deployed. I contacted the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, who made two aerial resources available, but by 11:00, they had still not arrived,” the mayor stated to Lusa.
Nisa (Portalegre)
In Nisa, a woman was left homeless, and it was unclear whether her home was completely or partially destroyed.
“We are trying to contain the fire. The wind allows little room for maneuver, but operational efforts are being made from both ground and air. Let’s see if we manage,” said the municipal president, Idalina Trindade, to Lusa.
On the Civil Protection website, nine fires are highlighted as “significant occurrences,” including those mentioned above and additional blazes in Sever do Vouga, Estremoz, Penafiel, and Santarém.
