The commander overseeing the fire operations that have been ongoing since Monday in Ponte de Lima expressed concern regarding the fire front threatening the parish of Vitorino de Piães, which currently lacks aerial support.
“At this moment [17:19], the fire front that concerns me the most is Vitorino de Piães. There has been an increase in the fire’s intensity. It continues to have a six-kilometer extension, but the flames have intensified,” stated Carlos Lima.
Carlos Lima, who also serves as the commander of the Ponte de Lima Volunteer Firefighters in the Viana do Castelo district, explained that “strong winds and high temperatures have increased the fire’s intensity.”
“We also have a second active front, with small reignitions in Rebordões (Santa Maria), the parish where the fire broke out on Monday at 22:47, and in Correlhã,” he added.
The strategy, according to Carlos Lima, is to prevent the fire from crossing the path that circles Monte da Nó.
“We have a tracked machine there to improve the path, and we are positioning resources so that if the flames cross the path, they will head toward the homes in Vitorino de Piães,” he specified.
On Tuesday night, “three firefighters succumbed to exhaustion, but today they are back on the front lines,” he noted.
Carlos Lima warned that “the population should remain vigilant, and if there are any changes, the authorities are monitoring the fire’s progress and will take appropriate measures.”
As reported by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection website at 17:23, the fire was engaging 163 operatives, supported by 54 vehicles.
The flames ignited at 22:47 on Monday.
