According to the head of operations at the National Command for Civil Protection, Rui Oliveira, the three wildfires, currently being battled by 983 operators, remain “concerning”, burning with “great intensity” and approaching populated areas.
The wind and difficult access are hindering the firefighters’ efforts.
In Ponte da Barca, “we currently have 374 operators and 120 vehicles on site, but resources will be reinforced tonight”, stated the head of operations for the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, acknowledging that the fire is nearing communities.
“A track machine is already in use to prevent the fire from reaching homes”, he added.
However, there are still no villages where people are being evacuated. “What is being done is concentrating people in one place”, he emphasized.
The Ermida parish in Ponte da Barca was, at 9:27 PM, the main concern of civil protection in combating the fire that started on Saturday in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG).
Lusa | 22:04 – 28/07/2025
In Penamacor, there are 360 operators and 119 vehicles on site battling the fire, which has two active fronts, one already 50% under control, but the other burning “intensely, due to the wind”, explained the official.
As a result, two track machines are already in use, and two more are on their way, “to prevent the fire from reaching communities in the fire line”.
This fire will also see reinforcements of ground resources.
The fire burning since 4:36 PM in Penamacor, fought by more than 300 operators, may have already affected homes at the entrance of João Pires village, said the mayor, António Beites.
Lusa | 20:33 – 28/07/2025
Fighting the fire in Arouca are currently 245 operators and 73 vehicles. There will be reinforcements of resources from other parts of the country over the night, noted the Civil Protection leader, conceding that there are “villages at risk” as well.
The fire that broke out around 1:00 PM in Arouca, Aveiro district, currently has six active fronts and is burning with high intensity, stated the local Fire Department commander.
Lusa | 20:26 – 28/07/2025
