The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reported today that wildfires in Arganil, Sabugal, Mirandela, and Montalegre are engaging more than 2,300 operatives and are expected to remain active through the night.
As of 03:30 AM, the fires in the north-central region of mainland Portugal mobilized a total of 2,319 operatives and 744 vehicles.
The fire in Arganil, located in the district of Coimbra, remains active with 1,383 operatives on the ground supported by 478 vehicles. It has been reinforced with 125 operatives and nearly 40 ground vehicles since the last update at 01:00 AM, when an ANEPC source emphasized that the fire is far from being controlled and should remain active overnight and into the day.
The wildfire in the municipality of Fundão, originating in Arganil, spread earlier this evening to the municipality of Castelo Branco, in the parish of São Vicente da Beira.
The fire in Sabugal, situated in the district of Guarda, remains active with 374 operatives supported by 98 vehicles, expected to continue being active throughout the night. The fire in Sabugal broke out on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the fire in Mirandela, in the district of Bragança, which started at 5:00 PM on Monday, involves 337 operatives and 111 vehicles, according to the Civil Protection at 03:30 AM.
The fire in Montalegre, in the district of Vila Real, remains active with 170 operatives on the ground, aided by 57 vehicles.
The fire crossing from Spain into Portugal in the Montalegre area has three active fronts and posed a threat to the village of Vilar de Perdizes, where firefighters prioritized defending homes and warehouses.
According to Civil Protection, the fires in Arganil, Sabugal, Mirandela, and Montalegre are the most concerning and demand the largest response.
The fires have resulted in two fatalities so far, including a firefighter, and caused several injuries, mostly minor. They have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock facilities and forested areas.
Provisional official figures state that by August 17, 172,000 hectares have burned in the country, exceeding the total area burned throughout 2024.
