In an appeal for additional aerial resources, Augusto Marinho emphasized the necessity for more aircraft support, despite three already in operation by 5:39 PM, which he deemed insufficient. “We need more resources. The terrain is rugged, and additional aerial means are urgently required because fighting on foot is very difficult,” he stated, noting that additional requests for aircraft had been made throughout the afternoon but had not materialized. “Only when the fire began to approach the houses did they arrive,” he added.
Marinho noted that “National Highway (EN) 203 is closed and the fire is at the doorstep of houses,” prompting considerations for “evacuating people from their homes.” He expressed his concern, saying, “The smoke is intense, and I cannot access Parada [Peneda-Gerês National Park]. I appeal for more aerial resources to aid the populations of Parada, in Lindoso.”
The fire, which ignited at 9:47 PM on Saturday, was reported by Marinho as briefly under control before suddenly intensifying due to wind and challenging terrain conditions. “Now is the time to battle the fire, but afterward, we need to reflect on the timing and intensity at which forest fires ignite,” he said.
According to the official page of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), as of 6:00 PM, there were eight helicopters, 92 personnel, and 25 vehicles engaged in combating the flames.
