The mayor of Penamacor, António Luís Beites, reported significant fire activity near the village of Bemposta and a particularly intense front heading towards Proença-a-Velha, in the district of Idanha-a-Nova. The area is characterized by dense forest and eucalyptus trees, which are burning fiercely.
Beites informed the Lusa news agency that “at this moment, the fire is far from being controlled.”
At noon, Civil Protection stated the fire had reached a phase of containment and monitoring, with resources still actively involved due to expected persistent winds throughout the afternoon, which indeed materialized.
“There have been several flare-ups with very strong winds, and the situation has become quite complicated. I would currently say there are at least three active fronts, two of which remain aggressive,” Beites explained to Lusa.
The Penamacor mayor noted that the flames are “virtually within the village” of Bemposta, yet expressed confidence that “the worst has passed” in that area.
He noted, “the wind is picking up considerably” and is blowing towards Idanha-a-Nova.
Beites estimated extensive land has burned, resulting in “inestimable damage.”
The blaze has destroyed barns, agricultural support areas, and other belongings, along with essential food supplies, stretches of forest, olive groves, oak trees, cork trees, and eucalyptus.
According to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, by 7:30 PM, 399 operatives and 130 vehicles were deployed, supported by five aerial units.
The fire broke out at 4:36 PM on Monday in the parish of Aranhas, swiftly advancing between Aldeia do Bispo and Aldeia de João Pires, threatening nearby homes.
By the end of the day, the fire reached Medelim, within the neighboring district of Idanha-a-Nova.
The GNR announced that National Road (EN) 233, between Pedrógão de São Pedro and Águas in Penamacor, is closed in both directions.
