Rapidly approaching fire in Vila Cova, fueled by intense winds
Fire in Alvão Mountains Threatens Vila Cova, but Residents Remain Safe
A wildfire that started in the Alvão mountains on Saturday, August 3, 2025, has spread towards the village of Vila Cova. Although the fire briefly threatened a house in the village, it did not cause any direct harm or require evacuation of the population.
The fire, which has evolved to the Gontães and Vila Cova areas, has caused concern for local authorities. Carlos Manuel Lopes Dias, from Vila Cova and Mascoselo's board of directors, expressed his worry about the fire approaching the village. Alexandre Favaios, the president of Vila Real's Chamber, acknowledged the rapid spread of the fire, influenced by strong winds in the Alvão mountains, and stated that they will monitor the situation's evolution.
To combat the blaze, a total of 240 firefighters and 76 vehicles were deployed to manage the fire around the Alvão mountain range, including Vila Cova. Reinforcements, including a special Firefighting and Civil Protection force (GRUATA), were sent to enhance firefighting efforts. Firefighting teams are positioned in Vila Cova to protect homes, and additional support came from volunteers who distributed fresh drinks and food to firefighters and locals in the affected area.
As a preventive measure, some residents were asked to leave houses closest to the forest area. Emigrant Benilde Tuna, who is on holiday in Vila Cova, was asked by military police to leave her house, move her cars, and turn off the power due to the fire's proximity. Benilde Tuna expressed her disappointment about the fire approaching the village, but her husband, son, and a brother-in-law are reportedly in Vila Cova, using hoses to water around their property.
Carlos Manuel Lopes Dias highlighted that the area is a mixed one with a lot of pine trees where a significant investment has been made. Despite the concerns, authorities confirmed that no populations were threatened, including Vila Cova, by 8:00 PM. Therefore, no evacuation measures were reported for the village.
The forest in the area is being completely destroyed by the fire, but the efforts of the firefighting teams have managed to control the blaze and protect the village of Vila Cova. Carlos Manuel Lopes Dias requested help from the Government due to the fire's impact, and Civil Protection has mobilized 114 operatives, 32 vehicles, and eight aerial means to fight the fire.
Sources: 1. Local News Outlet 2. Government Press Release 3. Civil Protection Update
- Concerns about the fire in the Alvão mountains, approaching Vila Cova, have extended to the realm of environmental science due to the potential impact on the forest and biodiversity.
- The political landscape is also affected as Carlos Manuel Lopes Dias appeals to the government for additional resources to combat the fire and protect Vila Cova.
- General news outlets are reporting on the fire in the Alvão mountains and its association with climate change, as scientists express their worry about the increasing frequency of wildfires in response to global warming.
