The second National Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, José Ribeiro, reported at the headquarters of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) in Carnaxide that, as of this afternoon, there were five major wildfires of concern, two of which started today.
The fires in Piódão, located in the Coimbra district, Santo António in Guarda, and Vilar de Perdizes in Montalegre originated in previous days, while those in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and Valongo began today and are also considered serious.
These five incidents involve 2,775 firefighters, supported by 896 vehicles and 29 aircraft.
According to José Ribeiro, there are still 44 fires being resolved, concluded, or under surveillance, involving 1,171 operatives.
Ribeiro stated that the special readiness level four will be maintained until the end of Friday (primarily for pre-positioning resources), and the district emergency and civil protection plans for Coimbra, Guarda, and Castelo Branco remain active.
He also noted that strong winds are hindering fire-fighting efforts and mentioned that the front of the fire near Unhais da Serra, Fundão, which began in Arganil, is receiving significant resource allocation.
He added that the two Canadair planes from the national fleet, which were previously out of service, are now operational.
Ribeiro expressed solidarity with affected people and regions, offering encouragement to fire-fighting teams and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Today, the ANEPC extended condolences to the family and friends of the machine operator who died in an accident while battling the Mirandela fire.
[Updated at 8:29 PM]
