Reinforcement of resources needed for reactivation; villages declared 'safe'
The wildfire that began in Sirarelhos on August 2, 2025, has once again flared up, sparking concern in the region. The fire, which was previously close to being contained, has been re-activated due to strong winds and high temperatures, as reported by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
The re-activation occurred between Borbela and Outeiro, a region where, unfortunately, there was no capacity for extinction. This led to an increase in intensity and progression of the fire line.
The situation remains serious, with Vila Real under a red heat alert and a nationwide state of alert extended until August 13 due to elevated fire risk. Residents in affected areas such as Borbela are being sheltered as a precaution.
José Requeijo, the commander, affirmed that the fire is still burning but with means to combat it. He noted the fire's intensification in Vila Real Lordelo, with three active fire fronts and priority protection efforts underway. The fire has burned over 4,000 hectares across four municipalities, with 343 personnel and 103 vehicles involved in firefighting efforts as of August 10.
However, there is a perspective of improvement in the coming hours, as terrestrial reinforcement and more combat groups are arriving. Aerial means were used to decrease the progression of the fire in the afternoon, and at 21:00, 324 operatives and 107 aerial means were mobilized to combat this fire.
The fire re-activated is being maintained at hot spots with high temperature. The damage to the 'Canadair' aircraft will be at the engine level. The fire was resolved twice, on Wednesday and this morning, but the persistent winds and high temperatures have caused it to reignite.
Despite the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions, José Requeijo remains optimistic. He stated that the danger to the populations is currently distant. The day was very hot with an increase in wind speed, but the combat operations are being resumed to resolve the fire as quickly as possible.
No specific cause of the fire beyond these environmental factors was cited in the available information. However, the persistence and scale of the blaze illustrate the severity of the wildfire season in Portugal in 2025. By 21:00, some villages were declared "free from danger".
[1] Newsflare Report, August 10, 2025.
- What is cause for concern among researchers in environmental science and climate-change studies is the persistence and scale of the wildfire in Sirarelhos, which highlights the severity of the wildfire season in Portugal in 2025.
- As José Requeijo, the commander, has affirmed, the re-activation of the wildfire near Borbela is being combated with means available, and while the adverse weather conditions pose challenges, he remains optimistic about the chances of controlling the fire and minimizing damage to the environment.
