Portugal Battles 59 New Wildfires: 5 Major Blazes Threaten Northern and Central Regions

Civil Protection Reports 59 New Fire Outbreaks

Civil Protection recorded 59 new fire outbreaks today, with five blazes causing significant concern in the regions of Arganil, Sabugal, Mirandela, Montalegre, and Carrazeda de Ansiães. These incidents have mobilized over 2,700 personnel to combat the flames.

Key Areas of Concern

According to José Ribeiro, the Second National Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, "At this moment, we have five occurrences that are of greater concern, some of which have been ongoing for previous days." He highlighted the fire in Piódão (Arganil), which has also spread to the Castelo Branco district.

In addition to Piódão, authorities are closely monitoring fires that originated in Santo António (Sabugal), Valverde da Gestosa (Mirandela)—with an active front in Vila Flor—Vilar de Perdizes (Montalegre), a continuation of a fire that started in Galicia, and Selores (Carrazeda de Ansiães).

Resources Deployed

These five major fires involve 2,709 operational personnel, supported by 902 vehicles and 35 aerial means. By 5:00 PM today, a total of 59 new occurrences were registered, engaging 1,288 personnel, 342 ground resources, and 139 aerial missions.

Simultaneously, 48 other occurrences remain under resolution, requiring 1,309 personnel, 403 vehicles, and 10 aerial means.

Solidarity and Context

José Ribeiro expressed "deep solidarity with all citizens severely affected by these extreme fires that have plagued Portugal in recent weeks" and "words of motivation to all operational staff fighting the flames over these days."

Since July, mainland Portugal has been hit by multiple rural fires, primarily in the North and Central regions, amid high temperatures that prompted an alert situation declaration since August 2nd.

Impact and Response

The fires have resulted in two fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly non-serious. They have destroyed or partially damaged primary and secondary homes, agricultural and livestock farms, and forest areas.

Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving two Fire Boss aircraft to bolster firefighting efforts.

According to provisional official data, over 201,000 hectares have burned in the country as of August 19th, exceeding the total area burned in all of 2024.