The large wildfire in Ponte da Barca, which has been raging for almost a week and consumed over seven thousand hectares in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, is now stabilized and expected to be under control in the coming hours. Meanwhile, the Arouca fire, one of the most resource-intensive in recent days, was contained by 7 AM this Friday.
Among the active fires as of noon today, the Penafiel blaze, which started on Tuesday, is currently causing the most concern for the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC). This morning, two active fronts were nearing residential areas, with 208 firefighters, 62 ground vehicles, and two aircraft deployed to combat the flames.
Regarding Ponte da Barca, Commander Marco Domingues from the Alto Minho sub-regional command of Civil Protection told Lusa that recent efforts have stabilized the situation. "Our primary strategic goal is to prevent deaths and serious injuries. The second is to avoid property loss, especially primary residences, and the third is to stop the fire from reaching Cabril's forest. All objectives have been successfully met," Domingues stated.
The 60 residents of Paradela and Sobredo, evacuated as a precaution on Thursday night, have returned home this morning. However, Domingues warned against complacency, noting the fire's "high degree of unpredictability" and current challenges like low smoke visibility hindering aerial support.
In related news, the Judicial Police (PJ) announced the arrest of a man suspected of starting three fires in Ponte da Barca in June, near the Peneda-Gerês Park. These were quickly contained thanks to local firefighters and residents.
The Arouca fire, declared under control by 7 AM, still has a significant ground presence: 436 personnel, 159 vehicles, and three aircraft. ANEPC confirmed no uncontrolled fronts remain from the Monday blaze that spread to Castelo de Paiva and Cinfães. This fire, the week's most alarming, scorched over 48 kilometers and 4500 hectares, damaging homes, agricultural buildings, and the Paiva Walkways, set to partially reopen this Saturday.
As of noon Friday, 42 active fires mobilized 2060 personnel, 662 ground units, and 16 aircraft, with Thursday's incidents leaving 30 lightly injured.
Northern and Central Interior at Maximum Wildfire Risk
The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reports maximum rural fire danger in much of Bragança, Guarda, and Castelo Branco districts, plus six Algarve municipalities and parts of Porto district. Viseu, Leiria, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, and Santarém are also at peak risk, with Loures in Lisbon Metropolitan Area under very high alert.
Portugal is enduring a heatwave, with temperatures remaining high and the entire mainland under at least a yellow warning by Saturday.
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