Northern Portugal Battles Three Major Wildfires as Civil Protection Mobilizes Over 1,100 Personnel

Wildfires Rage in Northern Portugal

Civil Protection reported today a total of 38 rural fires across mainland Portugal, mobilizing 1,193 operational personnel. Among these, three blazes are of particular concern: in Vila Verde, Cabeceiras de Basto, and Sabrosa, where efforts are intensifying to control the flames.

Despite a reduction in fires, district emergency plans remain active in Coimbra and Castelo Branco. Credit: LUSA

Key Statistics and Updates

According to Mário Silvestre, the national commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, between 00:00 and 17:00 hours, Portugal saw 38 fires, with 10 occurring overnight. The response involved 290 ground vehicles and 102 aerial missions. As of 19:00, 425 personnel, 110 vehicles, and 13 aerial assets were still engaged in active incidents.

The most critical situations are in Vila Verde, Cabeceiras de Basto, and Sabrosa, accounting for 353 personnel, 93 vehicles, and 11 aerial means. Notably, the fires in Pedrógão Grande and Arganil were brought under resolution after 11 days of intense combat, with the latter involving complex terrain and steep slopes that required extensive ground efforts.

Casualties and Operational Status

Today, five additional operational personnel were assisted on-site, adding to the 89 cumulative cases from August 3 to Saturday. In total, 118 personnel have been transported to hospitals, with six more today, but no civilian casualties were reported today. Overall, 105 civilians have been affected, including those hospitalized.

Special readiness level four remains in effect nationwide until Monday, with a reassessment planned to possibly downgrade in some areas. Despite improved weather conditions, authorities warn that fuels remain highly available, and any ignition could lead to large-scale fires, as seen in Sabrosa and Pedrógão Grande.

International Support and Future Outlook

Foreign aerial support, including Greek 'Canadair' planes and Swedish aircraft, will stay in Portugal until next Friday, with a planned departure on Saturday, subject to reevaluation. The French Puma helicopter will be demobilized on Monday due to operational limitations.

Since July, mainland Portugal has been hit by multiple large rural fires, primarily in the North and Central regions, resulting in four deaths (including one firefighter), numerous injuries, and significant destruction of homes, farms, and forest areas. Provisional data up to August 23 indicate approximately 250,000 hectares burned, with over 57,000 hectares lost in the Arganil fire alone.

Authorities continue to urge extreme caution from the public to prevent new ignitions, emphasizing that eased weather should not lead to complacency.