Traffic disrupted on Highway 24 in Chaves
Chaves Wildfire and Separate Blaze in Montalegre, Portugal
A severe wildfire emergency is currently affecting the regions of Portugal and Spain, with two significant fires burning in the northern Portuguese districts of Vila Real and Chaves.
Chaves Wildfire
The fire in Chaves, Vila Real, Portugal, is part of the larger wildfire crisis that has been impacting the Iberian Peninsula. Originating from Galicia, Spain, the blaze has significantly affected the Chaves area.
As of August 27, 2025, the fire in Chaves is burning towards Agrela, Outeiro Seco, Couto, and Vilela Seca. Firefighting efforts continue, aided by improving weather conditions, but the situation remains serious. Four firefighters have lost their lives this season, with at least one fatality occurring while fighting wildfires in the northeast, which includes the Chaves region.
The fire has burned extensive areas in Chaves and surrounding regions, with Portugal seeing around 278,000 hectares (687,000 acres) of land charred by wildfires this year. The fire's origin in Chaves can be traced to cross-border flames coming from Galicia.
Fire in Vilar de Perdizes, Montalegre
In a separate event, a fire is progressing in the area of Vilar de Perdizes, Montalegre. The blaze began at 10:25 on Monday and is moving towards Cambedo. As of now, it is not related to the fire that has been burning in Galicia for several weeks or the fire in Chaves.
A total of 310 operatives have been mobilized for the fire in Vilar de Perdizes, Montalegre, with 98 vehicles and two aerial means deployed. The fire has not entered any industrial zones or specific areas mentioned in the earlier facts about the Chaves fire.
The A24 is currently closed between kilometers 1 and 7 in the municipality of Chaves, Vila Real district, due to the ongoing wildfire crisis. The community and authorities are coming together to support firefighting and recovery efforts.
In response to the ongoing wildfire emergency, Portugal has introduced new wildfire aid legislation to help affected communities recover and to enhance future fire response. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) is managing the fire in Vilar de Perdizes, Montalegre.
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