A devastating wildfire erupted in Parada, Lindoso, Ponte da Barca, destroying outbuildings, partially damaging a house, and resulting in the tragic loss of animals due to asphyxiation. Secundino Fernandes, the local parish council secretary, reported the incident.
Precautionary evacuations were carried out as residents were forced to leave their homes, taking their animals with them. The National Road 203, connecting to the Madalena border (Spain), has been closed in both directions.
The fire, which started at 10:47 PM on Saturday, has already consumed dozens of hectares. 141 firefighters, with 42 vehicles and eight aerial units, are battling the blaze.
"It's calmer now, but the wind caused the fire to spread rapidly, covering a vast area," Fernandes told Jornal de Notícias. He described how the fire reached the outskirts of the village, near the dam direction, Ponte da Barca-Lindoso. "Some sheds burned down, and a house was partially affected. Sadly, some goats died from asphyxiation."
As nightfall approaches, concerns grow among the population and emergency teams. "It depends on the wind's direction. It could either head towards the mountains or back to the village," Fernandes added, noting the unpredictability of the situation.
The GNR Territorial Command of Viana do Castelo confirmed the destruction of house annexes and the evacuation of some residents and animals due to the proximity of the flames.
In addition to the National Road 203 closure in Lindoso, the Municipal Road 533-1 in Beiral do Lima is also blocked due to another fire in Ponte de Lima.
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