Massive Wildfires Rage in Viseu: Hundreds of Firefighters Battle Blazes, Five Injured in Intense Combat

Wildfires Erupt in Viseu District

Hundreds of firefighters are engaged in a fierce battle against wildfires that broke out in the Viseu district of Portugal. Over a thousand operational personnel were deployed on Friday to combat the flames, with significant efforts concentrated in Castro Daire and the areas of Barreiros and Cepões.

Key Incidents and Injuries

In Castro Daire, the fire mobilized more than 500 operational personnel and 160 vehicles by early evening, according to official reports from Civil Protection. Strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, leading to multiple flare-ups and dense smoke that makes the air difficult to breathe.

Simultaneously, in Barreiros and Cepões, 491 operational personnel and 144 ground units were involved. Five firefighters were injured during the operations: two in Castro Daire suffered from smoke inhalation, while in Barreiros and Cepões, two sustained burns and one experienced chest pain. All five received hospital treatment and are reported to be out of danger.

Spread and Evacuations

The fire originated in Mezio, Castro Daire, late in the morning and quickly split into multiple blazes. Residents have been evacuated from their homes as the flames spread, reaching the municipality of Lamego by late afternoon and extending to Tarouca by early evening.

Additional Fire in Coimbra District

In Oliveira do Hospital, within the Coimbra district, over 400 operational personnel supported by more than a hundred ground units were combating a separate fire that started at 13:25 in Póvoa de São Cosme. Up to eight aerial means were deployed during the day, though aerial operations were halted at nightfall.