Raging fire persists in Ponte da Barca, with two active blaze spots ongoing
Wildfire Rages in Peneda-Gereš National Park, Portugal
A significant wildfire has been burning in Portugal's Peneda-Gereš National Park since at least July 26, 2025. The fire, which has already consumed over 5,786 hectares of the park, continues to pose a major challenge for firefighters and park officials.
The fire, located in the municipality of Ponte da Barca, Viana do Castelo, has been active for a week and currently has two active fronts. As of today, around 607 personnel are battling the blaze, with the assistance of 201 vehicles and one aerial means. However, the exact location within the park where the fire persists is not specified.
The fire has been a major concern for park officials and firefighters, who have been working tirelessly to control the blaze. The nearby Ponte da Barca district has been heavily involved in the firefighting efforts, with approximately 622 firefighters and 214 ground crews deployed.
The wildfire has had a severe impact on the local environment, causing significant damage to the park. Residents in nearby villages have been ordered to stay at home on several occasions due to thick smoke. Unfortunately, about 60 people near the park have been evacuated due to the fire.
Portugal is currently grappling with multiple large wildfires simultaneously, with thousands of personnel and hundreds of vehicles deployed nationwide. The authorities prioritise protecting communities at risk while fighting the fire, which has complicated firefighting operations due to the proximity of homes.
The fires are attributed in part to drought conditions linked to climate change, leaving forests extremely dry and vulnerable. The Peneda-Gereš National Park wildfire has been a significant environmental disaster for the park, causing extensive damage to its delicate ecosystem.
In summary, the Peneda-Gereš National Park wildfire is a significant ongoing event with thousands of hectares burned, large-scale firefighting efforts in place, ordered evacuations, and communities intermittently affected by smoke and fire threats. The fire continues to pose a challenge for firefighters and park officials, who are working diligently to control the blaze and minimise its impact on the local environment.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding and managing the Peneda-Gereš National Park wildfire, as environmental science focuses on the park's recovery from the devastating blaze. Climate-change research also becomes essential, as the drought conditions linked to global warming might have made the forests more susceptible to such fires.
