Historic Piódão Village Surrounded by Wildfires as Portugal Battles Multiple Blazes

A fierce wildfire erupted near the historic schist village of Piódão in Arganil, leading to the evacuation of two villages, Foz d’Égua and Chãs d'Égua, as flames threatened the area. With 433 firefighters, 129 vehicles, and nine aircraft deployed, the situation remains critical due to erratic winds complicating efforts. Authorities are considering further evacuations in nearby areas.

In Trancoso, a thunderstorm reignited fires, worsening conditions and prompting a reinforcement of emergency services. The village of Queiriz faces a dire situation, with residents and firefighters working to protect homes. The fire, active since Saturday, has consumed approximately 12,000 hectares across 11 parishes.

New outbreaks were reported in Sátão, Macedo de Cavaleiros, and Sabugal, with varying degrees of containment. Meanwhile, the wildfire in Ermidas-Sado, Santiago do Cacém, has been brought under control after threatening the IC1 highway.

In Viseu, the EN323 road was closed due to rural fires, with significant resources deployed to combat the blaze in Tabuaço. The Alvão mountain range has suffered extensively, with 5,500 hectares burned in Vila Real alone, including parts of the Alvão Natural Park.

The Covilhã fire, now under surveillance, destroyed 700 hectares of vegetation but spared homes, marking a small victory in a region still recovering from past fires.