“Very likely, houses have already burned, given the sounds of gas canisters exploding. Second homes at the entrance of Aldeia de João Pires may have been affected, but it is not confirmed,” stated the mayor of Penamacor, in the Castelo Branco district.
The fire, which started in the parish of Aranhas, quickly spread between Aldeia do Bispo and Aldeia de João Pires and has now developed another front moving towards Bemposta.
According to the mayor of Penamacor, “currently the flames surround part of Aldeia de João Pires,” with the main concern being to control the front heading to Bemposta before nightfall, while aerial resources can still be deployed.
If this does not occur, the mayor fears the situation may become more complex during the night.
António Beites mentioned that the brush is dry, and there are pine and eucalyptus masses along the way that may pose challenges, noting the wind is intensifying.
The EN 332 road, which connects Penamacor – Aldeia de João Pires – Medelim, is closed to traffic.
According to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection’s website, as of 19:55, 312 personnel with 95 vehicles, supported by nine aerial units, were battling the flames.
