“The main priority along the fire’s front line is the protection of homes due to wind gusts reaching 40 kilometers per hour,” stated an official from the Beiras and Serra da Estrela Sub-regional Command of Emergency and Civil Protection, adding that no evacuations have occurred.
However, the Seia City Council announced via social media that residents in all affected areas should remain indoors.
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reports that the brush fire, which started at 10:30 in Sandomil, Seia municipality, Guarda district, involves 495 operatives, supported by 144 vehicles and 12 aerial resources.
On social media, the Seia City Council noted, “The fire that broke out this morning in Sandomil is still active and engaging multiple human and technical resources,” highlighting that strong, unstable winds are “hampering efforts and making the fire’s behavior unpredictable.”
The municipal roads connecting Corgas to Sandomil, Carragozela to Várzea, National Road 17 from Ponte de Santiago to Oliveira do Hospital and Santiago to Santa Eulália, the Assamassa Road between S. Romão and Catraia de S. Romão, and the accesses to Vila Cova à Coelheira are closed or restricted to traffic, according to the local government.
The city council advises the public to stay alert, follow instructions from authorities, avoid traveling to the affected area, and respect signals and orders on the ground.
Moreover, the Seia City Council mentions that preparations are underway for a Population Concentration and Support Zone (ZCAP) at Padre Martinho Pavilion for overnight accommodation if needed.
