!["Situation [is] much more stable", but there are three fires that are concerning](https://www.portugalpulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/situation-is-much-more-stable-but-there-are-three-fires-that-are-concerning.webp)
A major firefighting operation is underway in Ponte da Barca, involving a total of 564 personnel and 183 vehicles. Airborne teams have been deployed to areas inaccessible by land, with hopes that their efforts will yield significant results tonight, as stated by Commander Pedro Araújo from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The vice president of the Ponte da Barca Municipality announced the evacuation of approximately 60 residents due to the encroaching flames from a fire that started Saturday in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The first group evacuated were residents of Sobredo in the parish of Vila Chã de São Jorge, numbering around 20 people, who were relocated to the parish hall around 21:32. Another 40 residents from Paradela in the parish of Entre Ambos-os-Rios were moved to a school center starting at 22:30.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park spans the districts of Braga (Terras de Bouro), Viana do Castelo (Melgaço, Arcos de Valdevez, and Ponte da Barca), and Vila Real (Montalegre), covering an area of approximately 70,290 hectares.
Other ongoing fires in Arouca, Penafiel, and Cinfães have also engaged emergency services. The fire in Cinfães is considered less concerning due to its location in a woodland area away from residences, with just one active front. In Arouca, 476 firefighters and 177 vehicles have been mobilized. The fire there has seen four of its five active fronts subdued; however, one front remains challenging due to difficult access and nearby homes. Conditions have stabilized significantly today, attributed to firefighting efforts, aerial support, and advantageous weather changes, according to Civil Protection officials.
The situation in Penafiel is also under control with increasing stability. Of the three fire fronts, one is in the cooling phase, another is yielding to extinguishing efforts, while the third remains somewhat intense. There are 239 firefighters and 61 vehicles on the scene. The fire is affecting both woodland and residential areas.
