The sole aerial asset at the Arcos de Valdevez Air Center is currently out of commission following a collision with a vineyard trellis in São Jorge e Ermelo. The incident occurred while the helicopter was landing to pick up four members of the Permanent Intervention Team (EIP).
No injuries were reported among the EIP members or the pilot, according to Olegário Gonçalves, the mayor. The helicopter sustained damage to one of its rotor blades upon impact with the trellis but managed to land safely.
Mechanics are expected to arrive for repairs, though completion today is uncertain. A replacement helicopter is anticipated to arrive by the end of the day or tomorrow morning.
Gonçalves also mentioned that a second helicopter, temporarily stationed in Portalegre, will return to Arcos de Valdevez by August 1st. This move comes after concerns were raised about the redistribution of aerial resources, especially given the region's high incidence of rural fires.
The Viana do Castelo district averages over 1,300 rural fires annually, with a significant area burned in 2024. The decision to relocate one of the two helicopters from Arcos de Valdevez to Portalegre was met with criticism, highlighting the need for adequate firefighting resources in the Alto Minho region.
The helicopter involved in Wednesday's incident was responding to a rekindled fire in São Jorge, which mobilized eight firefighters and two vehicles at the time.
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