Luciano Ribeiro stated that one of the ongoing efforts remains active in Alvoco da Serra, where there are “more than 170 operators and aerial means” deployed.
“The village perimeter has been defended, but the situation remains concerning until the fire is fully extinguished,” he emphasized.
Highlighting that the primary concern is always “with the people, property, and animals,” the mayor noted that firefighting efforts are being intensified in front of localities.
“The other active front is in an inaccessible area between Portela da Selada [near Loriga] and the Torre, making the combat efforts challenging,” Luciano Ribeiro said.
The president of the Seia municipal council, in the district of Guarda, revealed attempts are being made to deploy ground teams in this area, although it poses significant difficulties.
“It is a bushland area, with no nearby population. The afternoon is hot with uncertain winds, requiring intense combat efforts and vigilant monitoring due to the risk of spot fires,” he warned.
Over more than a week, the fire that began in Piódão, Arganil, in the district of Coimbra, spread to the municipality of Seia (district of Guarda), and to the municipalities of Oliveira do Hospital and Pampilhosa da Serra (district of Coimbra) and the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Covilhã, and Fundão (district of Castelo Branco).
Mainland Portugal has been affected by large-scale rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe. They have also caused the total or partial destruction of primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural and livestock farms and forested areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which provides access to two Fire Boss planes, a Super Puma helicopter, and two Canadair planes.
According to provisional official data, as of August 23, approximately 248,000 hectares had burned in the country, with over 57,000 hectares from the fire that began in Arganil alone.
