More than 3200 firefighters were engaged in battling nine major wildfires across Portugal by Sunday morning, with the situations in Arganil (Coimbra district) and Sátão (Viseu district) requiring the most resources. The fires, which have been raging since Wednesday, show no significant decrease in intensity, despite the relentless efforts of emergency services.
Key Firefighting Efforts
- Arganil: 846 operatives, 296 ground vehicles, and 5 aircraft were deployed.
- Lousã: 493 operatives and 157 vehicles, supported by 1 aircraft, with most evacuated residents returning home as the fire enters a "surveillance and consolidation" phase.
- Sátão and Trancoso: Combined efforts involved 657 operatives and 217 vehicles in Sátão, and 425 operatives with 141 vehicles in Trancoso.
Affected Areas and Damage
Eleven municipalities across Viseu and Guarda districts are still grappling with flames or assessing damages. Mêda has requested the government to declare a state of calamity due to significant damages.
Additional Firefronts
- Poiares, Freixo de Espada à Cinta: 304 operatives and 106 vehicles.
- Sabugal: Nearly 200 firefighters mobilized.
- Pêra do Moço: 164 operatives and 61 vehicles.
- Tarouca: 98 operatives with 29 vehicles.
Recent Developments
The fire in Mondim de Basto (Vila Real district) was declared under control by early Sunday, with surveillance teams remaining on-site.
Context and Impact
Portugal has been facing multiple rural wildfires since July, exacerbated by high temperatures, leading to a state of alert until Sunday evening. The fires have resulted in 1 death, several injuries, and widespread destruction of homes, farms, and forest areas.
European Support
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with two Fire Boss aircraft expected to arrive on Monday to aid firefighting efforts.
Alarming Statistics
Provisional data shows 139,000 hectares burned by August 16, 17 times more than the same period in 2024, with nearly half this area consumed in just two days this week.
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