Portugal Battles 57 New Wildfires: Major Concerns in Piódão and Pedrógão Grande

Wildfire Crisis Intensifies in Portugal

Between 00:00 and 17:00 on Saturday, a total of 57 new rural fire occurrences were registered, with 12 of these happening during the night period. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reported that active fires are engaging 2,258 operational personnel, with three fires of particular concern: one in Piódão and two in Pedrógão Grande.

Operational Details and Response

José Ribeiro, the second national commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, stated that the majority of these incidents occurred in the northern part of the country, with some also in the central region. At the time of the update at 19:00 in Carnaxide (Oeiras), 2,258 operatives were deployed, supported by 754 vehicles and 30 aerial means.

The three most complex fires are in Piódão and Pedrógão Grande. In São Vicente (Pedrógão Grande), 410 operatives, 116 vehicles, and 16 aerial means are engaged, while in Graça (also Pedrógão Grande), 189 operatives, 47 vehicles, and 3 aerial means are on site. Combined, these three fires involve 2,159 operatives, 726 vehicles, and 29 aerial means.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

A robust response is being prepared, including the deployment of not only firefighting resources but also means for protecting urban agglomerations and medical evacuation groups. Several agglomerations are in the fire line and are being evacuated or confined in coordination with the Republican National Guard (GNR). Efforts are focused on preventing harm to people and property, with authorities ensuring all possible measures are taken to avoid more severe situations.

Additional Incidents and Casualties

Aside from the active fires, 49 other occurrences are still being resolved, requiring 708 operatives, 205 vehicles, and 11 aerial means. By 17:00, two operatives and one civilian had been transported to hospitals. Tragically, the fires have already resulted in four deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some serious. Homes, agricultural and livestock farms, and forest areas have been partially or totally destroyed.

Weather and Future Outlook

The special rural firefighting device remains at level four readiness until the end of Monday, with an assessment planned based on meteorological conditions for the following days. Adverse weather patterns are expected to persist, with no significant changes forecasted.

District emergency plans for Coimbra, Guarda, and Castelo Branco are active, along with municipal plans for several areas, primarily due to the fires in Piódão and Trancoso.

Tribute to Fallen Operative

José Ribeiro expressed condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Esteves, a 45-year-old operative from Afocelca (a forest protection company owned by Altri and Navigator groups), who died after being severely injured while fighting a fire in Sabugal.

According to provisional official data, as of August 3, approximately 248,000 hectares have burned in the country, with over 57,000 hectares lost in the fire that started in Arganil.