According to Commander Elísio Pereira of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), as of 09:15 AM, the five most resource-intensive fires were located in the districts of Viseu, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, and Castelo Branco, engaging 1,612 personnel and 509 ground units.
“Reinforced aerial resources are being deployed, although some may take longer to become operational due to safety concerns and reduced visibility caused by smoke. All these fires are being augmented with national aerial means, considering the terrain characteristics,” the source told Lusa news agency.
Regarding the potential threat to homes, the commander noted that “the situation is calmer” in the village of Fornos de Carvão, in Arouca, Aveiro district, which was evacuated overnight.
“Residents will return to their homes as soon as conditions allow,” he stated.
According to information on the ANEPC’s official page, checked at 09:30 AM, the fire in Arouca is being tackled by 578 personnel, 180 ground units, and two aerial units.
The Civil Protection source could not confirm whether the Arouca fire in the district of Aveiro had spread to the municipality of Castelo de Paiva.
In Penamacor, Castelo Branco, the firefighting efforts involve 384 personnel supported by 134 units, including six aerial ones.
In Viana do Castelo district, the fire in Ponte da Barca has been ongoing since Saturday, with 388 operatives and 126 units engaged, while in Ponte de Lima, 92 firefighters and 26 vehicles are deployed.
In Mangualde, Viseu, there are 173 operatives with 45 ground units and two aerial ones.
