Latest report on the raging fire in Portugal
Portugal Battles Raging Wildfires
As Portugal faces a state of high alert due to severe wildfire risk, multiple large fires continue to rage across the country, with significant fire activity and injuries reported in several locations.
At 7:30 am today, Pedro Araujo reported significant fires in Ponte da Barca (Viana do Castelo) and Penafiel (Porto). The fires in these towns, along with Arouca and Paredes, remain active and challenging for firefighting teams.
In Ponte da Barca, the fire is the most critical among the locations mentioned. Since Sunday, at least 622 firefighters, 214 ground crews, and one aerial vehicle have been actively working to contain it. The fire has prompted dozens of evacuations in rural villages such as Sobredo and Paradela due to its proximity to homes. At least 19 people have been reported injured from this fire, and the situation remains uncontrolled, affecting areas including the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
In Penafiel, the fire threatens multiple homes, with nearly 300 operatives, including 231 firefighters, focused on containment. However, details on injuries or evacuations haven't been specifically mentioned. One of the fire fronts is near homes, but neither is currently at immediate risk.
The fire in Arouca has six active fronts and has rapidly intensified. Around 441 firefighters and 166 other responders are involved. The fire has led to the closure of popular tourist attractions like the Paiva Walkways and a suspension bridge. Eight minor injuries occurred among Civil Protection personnel in Arouca.
The fires in Arouca (Aveiro) and Paredes (Porto) are either under control or in the process of being extinguished. Specific details about fires or firefighting activity in Paredes are not reported, suggesting either a smaller scale fire or less coverage compared to the other locations.
ANEPC is supporting firefighters with 949 vehicles and an aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle is monitoring fires day and night, collecting images with thermal cameras.
The fires are being exacerbated by prolonged hot, dry, and windy conditions. Exceptional measures such as forest access restrictions and bans on burning have been implemented to mitigate new fire outbreaks. The state of high alert remains in place until at least August 7.
Over 1,800 firefighters and numerous vehicles and air assets are engaged in fighting these wildfires, with significant fire activity and injuries especially in Ponte da Barca and Arouca.
In the face of Portugal's environmental-science challenges due to ongoing wildfires, the critical fire in Ponte da Barca, specifically, requires continued attention from over 600 firefighters and support crews. Meanwhile, the wildfire in Arouca, with its six active fronts, has triggered injuries among Civil Protection personnel and forced the closure of tourist attractions.
