Andreia Carvalho da Silva has been traversing this part of the Alvão mountain on a quad bike, delivering cold drinks and food to firefighters and locals engaged in battling the blaze that began on Saturday in Sirarelhos, Vila Real. The situation remains under control, though not yet resolved.
“The assistance has been invaluable. The heat is overwhelming, as is evident today. There are some positive aspects in this misfortune: the unity among people,” stated the 34-year-old independent photographer and videographer to Lusa.
She was in Alentejo, but upon learning about the fire in Serra do Alvão, she headed to Vila Real.
“My mother has a house here, it’s the first house in the village of Mascoselo (…) I came up because it’s impossible to simply watch on television, and obviously, we want to protect everything that is ours, our common home, our nature, and even our own houses,” she emphasized.
Andreia and other community volunteers collaborated with the scouts who opened the doors of the Regional Scout Activities Camp in Mascoselo, where donations began to be collected from Monday.
Volunteers depart from there on motorcycles to distribute aid and provide shelter and refreshments to those needing relief from the soaring temperatures in this area.
“There was a swift and significant union here, everything was set up in no time, and that was very important,” remarked Andreia Carvalho da Silva.
As they move around on motorcycles, these volunteers also keep watch for fire rekindlings and issue alerts.
“That’s our biggest fear, and that’s why we’re on watch,” she stated.
Rui Dinis, a 23-year-old Air Force serviceman from Gontães, was on holiday in the village. He travels the area between Arrabães, Gontães, and Mascoselo on a scooter, delivering water bottles, apples, and biscuits to the firefighters on the front lines.
“While traveling the road in the burned area, we monitor for any rekindling, and if necessary, call the firefighters. It’s also to help keep the community somewhat calmer and support the firefighters, who are not having an easy job,” said Rui Dinis.
These are not, he said, “the holidays he had imagined.”
The scouts’ space serves as a kind of “rest area” where operatives can eat and rest.
“We have plenty of shade, it’s cooler here. We are here to help,” said Raquel Ferreira, leader of Group 212, who explained that sandwiches, energy drinks, and water are prepared there.
These scouts were returning from a trip to Rome, Italy, where they participated in the Jubilee when they were called to assist.
Andreia Carvalho da Silva highlighted the coordination with Civil Protection, firefighters, and locals who had water tanks and were “crucial” for the first call when the fire started at the top of Mascoselo. “I think that initial line was decisive,” she noted.
The fire swept through Alvão mountain, approaching several villages including Pena, Currais, Gontães, Vila Cova, Mascoselo, and entered the municipality of Mondim de Basto.
“Fortunately, it was possible to control the fire on the upper part of the village [Mascoselo]. Naturally, we mourn the loss of our natural scenery and forest, especially our nearly century-old cedars. That is the great sadness that lingers, but as always, nature is better than us and manages to surprise us and offer us more opportunities,” said Andreia Carvalho da Silva.
