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

Wildfires Erupt in Viseu District

Hundreds of firefighters are engaged in a fierce battle against multiple wildfires that broke out on Friday in the Viseu district of Portugal. Approximately 800 operational personnel and over a dozen aerial assets are deployed to combat the flames, which have spread rapidly due to challenging conditions.

Key Incidents and Injuries

In Castro Daire, the fire mobilized nearly 500 operatives, 134 vehicles, and four aerial means by late afternoon, as reported by the official Civil Protection page. Two firefighters suffered injuries from smoke inhalation during the efforts there.

Simultaneously, in Barreiros and Cepões, also within Viseu, 321 operatives, 106 ground units, and nine aerial assets were involved. Three firefighters were injured in this area: two with burns and one experiencing chest pain. All five injured personnel received hospital treatment and are now out of danger.

Challenges and Evacuations

Strong winds have complicated firefighting operations, leading to multiple flare-ups and dense smoke that reduces air quality. Some residents have been evacuated from their homes, and by late afternoon, the flames had reached the municipality of Lamego, though no structural damages to homes have been reported so far.

The fire originated in Mezio, Castro Daire, around late morning and has since split into several separate blazes, threatening nearby villages.

Additional Fire in Coimbra District

In Oliveira do Hospital, Coimbra district, nearly 400 operatives supported by over a hundred ground units and eight aerial means were combating a separate fire that started at 13:25 in Póvoa de São Cosme.

This situation is ongoing, with authorities continuously monitoring and updating responses to these devastating wildfires.