Night of Flames: Villagers Unite in Paredes to Combat Wildfire Threat in Alvão Mountains

A relentless wildfire has been burning since August 2 in the Alvão Mountains, near Vila Real, Portugal, with three resolutions and reactivations that have raised concerns among Civil Protection authorities due to their "strange" nature. The fire, originating in Sirarelhos, has now reached its 25th village, Paredes, where locals have banded together to protect their homes and livestock.

Photo: PEDRO SARMENTO COSTA

Villagers took matters into their own hands, using makeshift tools to fight the flames and protect their properties. Ana Silva, a recent resident, expressed her fear for her barn, which stores hay for the year. "At least to protect the hay for the whole year, or we won't have anything to feed the cattle," she said.

The fire has destroyed pastures, leaving livestock without food. Adelaide Coutinho, who owns 55 goats, two horses, and two cows, had to move her animals to safety. "We have to take from our pockets to feed them," she lamented.

The community's resilience is being tested as they recall past fires in 2005, 2017, and 2022. Marcelo Escaleira, an emigrant visiting from France, described the situation as "very dangerous."

By 10:30 PM, 488 operatives and 163 vehicles were mobilized to combat the blaze, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection.