The Prime Minister today expressed understanding for the public’s anger over the ongoing fires but assured that the Government is “doing its utmost” to mitigate the blazes sweeping the country.
When questioned by journalists about criticisms from the Mayor of Vila Real regarding the response to the fire that broke out on August 2 in Sirarelhos, Luís Montenegro stated that there is a deployment of 15,000 personnel and all resources are on standby.
“We understand that those confronted with this crisis may sometimes express indignation, which is normal, but the truth is that we are all giving our utmost. We all want to and will continue to give our utmost,” he said, adding that the Government is focused on reducing risks and finding better solutions.
The Mayor of Vila Real, Alexandre Favaios, declared on Monday that it is time to hear from the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection and the Government about the fire that has been steadily burning in the area for 11 days, after a significant reactivation on Monday afternoon.
On Sunday night, the mayor had already called for a substantial increase in resources to combat the fire, which since its outbreak on August 2 has affected 17 villages in the municipality, including areas of the Alvão Natural Park (PNA), also urging for resources to remain on the ground.
According to the Government, the decision to extend the alert status results from “forecasts of adverse weather conditions until the end of Friday,” which “implies a very high risk of spreading rural fires.”
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues | 18:58 – 12/08/2025
Addressing criticisms during a statement to journalists on the sidelines of a housing inauguration ceremony in Faro, Luís Montenegro added: “We are giving everything we have to give, we are making an enormous effort and we will continue to do so,” he stated.
“We all have a spirit of unity and solidarity at this time to prevent losses, to reduce the negative impact of a phenomenon that unfortunately we cannot stop, despite all the efforts we have been making,” he concluded.
The Government extended the alert situation for a period of 48 hours, until 11:59 PM on Friday, due to the forecast of hot and dry weather.
