Tourism Animation Company Steps Up During Ponte da Barca Wildfire: "The Damage is Enormous"

José Vasco and Diogo Pereira, guides from a tourism animation company based in Entre Ambos-Os-Rios, Ponte da Barca, were seen carrying water packs up the mountain road towards Ermida. Their mission was to support the firefighters battling a wildfire that has been raging for nearly four days, turning the landscape black.

Dressed in their orange Tobogã t-shirts, now darkened from the soot, they were determined to give back to the region that has given them so much. "This is our home, so we make sure to help," said José Vasco. The company specializes in canyoning, mountain biking (e-MTB), and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experiences in Ponte da Barca.

"We bring a lot of people here, but now with this... We live off tourism, from the Carcerelha, Froufe, and Portuzelo rivers. Right now, we've lost Carcerelha and Froufe, and we have to see how we move forward," lamented the guide. The wildfire has forced them to halt activities, as it's unsafe for both clients and staff to be near the rivers.

Despite their efforts, access to Ermida was blocked, leaving them unable to deliver the water directly to the GNR and firefighters. "Yesterday, we were in Ermida helping out with water and wherever we were needed. We're working with the parish council and helping where we can," José shared, heartbroken by the charred slopes surrounding them.

The wildfire continues to spread towards another parish, Germil, with the guides expressing their sorrow over the "gigantic damage" to nature. "It's a huge impact. It's sad to see," said José.

Photos: Miguel Pereira