In statements to the Lusa agency, Rui Costa, the sub-regional commander of the Vale do Ave from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), stated that, “as a precaution,” four operatives were sent to the Santa Luzia hospital in Viana do Castelo.
“These are minor injuries such as a sprain, a small burn on an arm, and a leg. Very minor situations,” he specified.
Regarding the active front of the fire in Ermida, within the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG), the official mentioned it is “burning with little intensity” and “is being appropriately monitored by ground resources.”
“Efforts are progressing slowly, but everything is going according to plan. There are ground teams consolidating the fire. A helicopter is working. No village is in danger. Everything is perfectly controlled,” he emphasized.
Rui Costa acknowledged “understanding that people see the smoke and feel some concern, but teams are positioned.”
“We must convey a message of calm to the population,” he stressed.
At 2:33 PM, according to the website of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), 395 operatives, supported by 126 vehicles and an aerial unit, were engaged in battling this fire, which broke out on Saturday night in the municipality of Viana do Castelo.
