Sabugal Considers Declaring State of Calamity Amidst Ongoing Wildfires

The situation in Sabugal, Guarda district, is currently "more or less under control", thanks to the efforts of eight aerial units and improved atmospheric conditions.

"Temperatures have dropped, the wind has lessened, and the aerial teams did a spectacular job this morning," said Sabugal's Mayor, Vítor Proença, to Lusa news agency. However, he refrained from predicting when the fires would be fully resolved.

By early afternoon, two active fronts remained: one from Sortelha to Casteleiro in the south, and another from Badamalos to Miuzela in the north. "If weather conditions remain stable, these fires could be nearing resolution by today," Proença admitted.

The mayor also revealed considerations to request the government to declare a state of public calamity due to the extensive damages caused by the fires, which have plagued the area since Friday. "The losses are significant, especially for our farmers and livestock breeders who've lost much," he explained.

Damages include pastures, forages, oak groves, agricultural lands, and support buildings for agriculture. Fortunately, there have been no casualties, and while several secondary homes were lost, no primary residences were affected.

The fire, which began on Friday in Aldeia de Santo António, has mobilized 370 personnel, 94 vehicles, and two aerial units as of this afternoon, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).