“The situation is evolving favorably at the front near Celorico da Beira, which is being resolved, as well as in Rio de Mel, where the fire has diminished significantly, and Valdujo,” said Carlos Silva, Subregional Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection of the West, who is leading the operations.
As of 18:45, the website of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reported 700 operatives involved in firefighting efforts, supported by 227 vehicles and five aircraft.
The Trancoso fire in the district of Guarda, which began at 16:21 in the parish of Freches, remains the largest incident recorded by the ANEPC this Monday.
The official noted, “The main concern is at the Reboleiro front.”
“Currently, the fire is climbing a hill and is expected to descend towards Rio de Mel, which lies in the fire’s path. However, we are planning to deploy ground resources to prevent the fire from reaching any homes when it approaches,” he added.
Commander Carlos Silva mentioned that “all other hotspots that flared up today due to weather conditions are currently being managed” thanks to reinforced ground and air resources and the “commitment” of the operatives.
“Today, winds have shifted from all four directions—north, south, west, and east—but the situation is currently stable. However, the wind could shift again unexpectedly,” Silva warned.
Aside from the Reboleiro to Rio de Mel front, Silva stated, “Our goal is to control the other fronts by the end of today or early tonight, despite the high temperatures and low humidity.”
“We hope that the night cooling will be a crucial ally, especially on these two fronts, unless additional fronts emerge,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, the Trancoso City Council has decided to keep the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan active due to the “emergency situation caused by the ongoing fire,” following a meeting of the Municipal Civil Protection Commission.
As a result, the concert by rapper Dillaz, scheduled for this evening at the São Bartolomeu Fair, has been canceled. However, the fair “will remain open to the public with planned closure at midnight,” according to a statement from the municipality sent to the news agency.
The local government has also suspended public area irrigation and urged residents to conserve water, using it “only when strictly necessary” to help “preserve this essential resource for firefighting efforts.”
