“There was a very rapid spread, influenced by the strong winds we are experiencing. At this moment, resources are positioned to protect houses near the village. We will monitor the evolution of this situation,” stated Alexandre Favaios.
The official reiterated that the strong winds in the Alvão mountain are hindering the firefighting efforts and mentioned that, as a preventive measure, some residents have been asked to leave homes closest to the forested area.
The fire began at 11:34 PM on Saturday in the Sirarelhos area and spread to Gontães and Vila Cova. According to Civil Protection, 114 personnel, 32 vehicles, and eight aerial means have been mobilized to the scene.
Carlos Manuel Lopes Dias, from the board of Vila Cova and Mascoselo, expressed concern about the fire approaching the village, emphasizing that the forest “is being completely destroyed.”
“It destroys everything we have built,” he stressed, explaining that it is a mixed area, with a significant pine forest where substantial investment has been made, and called for government assistance.
