Alexandre Favaios expressed that a significant fire had profoundly impacted the local municipality, affecting seven parishes and 30 locations from August 2 to 13, extending approximately 12 kilometers and reaching Mondim de Basto.
Favaios described it as “a very long fire” and noted the “difficult combat” involved in managing the blaze.
The fire ultimately resulted in around 6,000 hectares of burned area, with an estimated 1,500 hectares within the PNA.
The PNA encompasses 7,220 hectares across the Vila Real and Mondim de Basto districts, and being a protected area, Favaios emphasized the urgency of a safeguarding plan.
He stated the need for a quick-intervention plan for the PNA, highlighting the mountainous, poor terrain and the necessity for stabilization and reforestation following technical criteria before the upcoming rains.
The aim is to recover some compromised biodiversity as quickly as possible within the protected area. Favaios called for a new plan to replace the obsolete management plan for the natural park.
The local leader stressed the need for “a response from the Central State to the firefighter corps.”
During the 12 days of the fire in Vila Real, logistical support was based in Cruz Branca, where provisions and fuel were supplied to vehicles.
Favaios highlighted the need for a mechanism to anticipate funds to enable the logistical support corps to meet supplier obligations.
Preliminary damage estimates from the fire include three secondary residences, 20 barns and sheds, 800 meters of water pipes, 30 agricultural tools, 73 beehives, more than 2,000 trees (pine, oak, chestnut, and fruit trees), 12 hectares of dryland crops, 295 bales of hay, approximately 100 damaged agricultural plots, and impact on 75 farmers.
The damage assessment began on August 14 in coordination with parish councils, hunting associations, commons management councils, the farming association, and later the Maronês Breeders Association.
Favaios predicted that loss figures might increase.
A municipal office will be available in Vila Real for application support once forms are provided by the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N).
The government announced extraordinary measures on Thursday, including up to 10,000 euros to compensate farmers for documented and undocumented fire damages.
Favaios stated that government measures address immediate urgent needs and emphasized the necessity for prompt reimbursement to affected individuals.
On August 2, three ignitions occurred in São Cibrão, moving toward Sabrosa, then between Torgueda and Mondrões, and at 23:45 in Sirarelhos, which was concluded but reactivated strongly until the 13th.
