Individuals apprehended for attempting arson during the conflict in the Alvão mountain range
Two fronts are still burning with low intensity in the rugged and steep Alvão mountains of Vila Real, Portugal. The area, known for its steep slopes with sharp drops, is a challenging terrain for firefighting and control operations.
The dry scrubland that covers the mountainous region fuels rapid fire spread, making any use of fire as a control method extremely risky. A single gust of wind can rekindle embers and spread fire, undermining any controlled burn efforts.
Given these factors, authorities rely on ground crews, aerial firefighting, and other fire suppression tactics rather than deliberately setting fires in this vulnerable and complex landscape. Using fire intentionally here can quickly escalate rather than mitigate wildfire danger.
Unfortunately, a local resident was arrested by the GNR during firefighting operations yesterday for allegedly trying to create a backfire. Creating a backfire can fuel the fire, causing more problems and putting operatives at risk. The Sub-regional Commander of the Middle Tejo, David Lobato, urged that fires should not be fought by creating backfires.
The fire in the Alvão mountains started on August 2nd in Sirarelhos, Vila Real municipality. It has already affected nearly thirty villages and reached the Samardã area. Yesterday, it approached villages like Testeira, Paredes, and Benagouro.
The work is proceeding very favorably, according to David Lobato, with 101 vehicles and 320 operatives on the ground this morning. A heavy helicopter will assist in fighting and consolidating the fire.
However, the situation remains challenging, with yesterday being particularly difficult and today expected to be the same. The fire remains active with two fronts burning with low intensity. The situation involving the arrested resident will now be investigated by the GNR.
[1] Information sourced from various firefighting and meteorological reports.
