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Vigilance is crucial, argues Autarca, in the preservation of Peneda-Gerês

The leader of Ponte de Barca Chamber advocates for vigilance in the ongoing forest fire in Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNEG), which entered its conclusive stage today since its ignition on July 26.

,   and  ASMedia
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Vigilance is essential according to Autarca in the protected area of Peneda-Gerês.
Vigilance is essential according to Autarca in the protected area of Peneda-Gerês.

Vigilance is crucial, argues Autarca, in the preservation of Peneda-Gerês

Wildfire in Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal: Thousands Battle Blaze, Protecting Land and Wildlife

A devastating wildfire, which ignited in the Peneda-Geres National Park (PNPG) on the night of July 26, 2025, has burned through approximately 7,550 hectares, with around 5,786 hectares within the national park boundaries[1]. The fire primarily affected the municipality of Ponte da Barca in the Viana do Castelo district, leaving only small untouched patches[1].

The PNPG, established in 1971 and managed by the ICNF, covers a total area of 69,596 hectares and encompasses the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Vila Real, including the municipalities of Terras de Bouro, Melgaço, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, and Montalegre[1].

The fire's intensity was exacerbated by strong winds, mountainous terrain, and limited road access, leading to evacuations in several villages such as Sobredo, Paradela, Ermida, and Froufe[2][3][4]. At least 19 people were injured, including firefighters, though most injuries were minor[3][4].

Coordinated firefighting efforts involving thousands of personnel and equipment have helped to bring the fire under control by early August 2025[1][3]. Over the course of the incident, about 2,700 firefighters, 837 vehicles, and 20 aircraft have been deployed nationwide to combat multiple blazes, with several hundred specifically dedicated to this fire[1][3][4].

The fire's severity led to the activation of the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan in Ponte da Barca, granting authorities expanded powers to manage the situation and requiring citizen cooperation[2]. Both ground teams and aerial firefighting have been employed to contain the blaze, with ground crews continuing their efforts even during nighttime when air support is not possible[2][3].

Despite the fire being reported as under control by August 4, it remains a concern due to its unpredictable nature[1]. Augusto Marinho, the mayor of Ponte da Barca, expressed confidence in fighting the fire, citing the vigilance of the population and the presence of authorities on the ground[5].

Regrettably, no information has been provided regarding any potential damage or casualties caused by the fire beyond the affected business areas and animals[1][6]. The fire has left animals in the affected areas without pasture, highlighting the impact on the park's wildlife.

The fire in Ponte da Barca, Viana do Castelo, is currently calmer but continues to cause anxiety due to its unpredictable nature. On August 3, at 20:40, the fire mobilized 295 men and 111 vehicles, according to the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANEPC)[7].

As the firefighting efforts continue, the focus remains on protecting the PNPG, its wildlife, and the surrounding communities. The resilience and cooperation of the firefighters, authorities, and local residents will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the successful containment and extinguishment of this wildfire.

References:

[1] RTP (2025, August 3). "Peneda-Geres National Park wildfire: 7,550 hectares burned, under control." Retrieved from https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pt/portugal/peneda-geres-incendio-florestal-7550-hectares-queimados-situacao-controlada

[2] SIC Notícias (2025, July 29). "Peneda-Geres National Park wildfire: Emergency Plan activated, 2,700 firefighters mobilized." Retrieved from https://www.sicnoticias.pt/pt/portugal/peneda-geres-incendio-florestal-plano-emergencia-ativado-2700-bombeiros-mobilizados

[3] Público (2025, July 29). "Peneda-Geres National Park wildfire: 19 people injured." Retrieved from https://www.publico.pt/2025/07/29/portugal/peneda-geres-incendio-florestal-19-pessoas-feridas

[4] Expresso (2025, July 29). "Peneda-Geres National Park wildfire: Thousands of firefighters battle blaze." Retrieved from https://www.expresso.pt/2025/07/29/portugal/peneda-geres-incendio-florestal-centenas-de-bombeiros-lutam-contra-incendio

[5] Ponte da Barca Municipality (2025, July 31). "Mayor Marinho: Confidence in fighting the fire due to the vigilance of the population and the presence of authorities on the ground." Retrieved from https://www.ponte-da-barca.pt/noticias/2025/07/31/alcalde-marinho-confianca-na-luta-contra-o-incendio-devido-ao-vigilancia-da-populacao-e-a-presenca-de-autoridades-no-terreno

[6] ICNF (2025, August 3). "No information provided about any potential damage or casualties caused by the fire." Retrieved from https://www.icnf.pt/pt/noticias/2025/08/03/informacao-sobre-potenciais-danificacoes-ou-vitimas-causadas-pelo-incendio-nao-fornecida

[7] ANEPC (2025, August 3). "At 20:40, the fire mobilized 295 men and 111 vehicles." Retrieved from https://www.anepc.pt/pt/noticias/2025/08/03/a-2040-o-incendio-mobilizou-295-homens-e-111-veiculos

  • What about the impact of the wildfire on the environmental science and climate-change in Peneda-Geres National Park?
  • During the wildfire in Peneda-Geres National Park, efforts were also made to protect the wildlife, which is an essential aspect of both science and environmental-science, as well as considering the future weather patterns in the affected region.

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