“It is an extremely complex fire, causing us significant challenges due to the terrain and lack of access,” said Mário Silvestre, the national commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, during a daily update on rural fires in mainland Portugal.
Silvestre, speaking at the headquarters of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority in Oeiras, stated that firefighting teams are being transported by helicopter to the top of the Serra Amarela to begin their efforts overnight.
“Access to this area is extremely difficult, even on foot,” he explained, noting that the fire, which began in the municipality of Ponte da Barca in the Viana do Castelo district, is currently the most concerning.
In addition to this fire, which has been burning since Saturday in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Silvestre highlighted fires in Penafiel, Arouca, and Cinfães.
As of 5:00 PM today, the four fires involved around 1,500 personnel, over 500 vehicles, and 11 aerial units.
Civil Protection reported a total of 97 rural fires by 5:00 PM today, mainly concentrated in the northern region.
According to Silvestre, the reduction in fire activity during the previous night allowed for a situation that is more controlled and easier to manage today, particularly in terms of aerial resources, compared to Wednesday.
