Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Porto: Rio Mau and Melres on High Alert

A severe wildfire is endangering homes in Rio Mau, Penafiel, and Melres, Gondomar, just 30 kilometers from Porto. The fire, which has been raging for over two days, has forced emergency services to evacuate residents, though some refuse to leave their homes.

Homes at Risk in Rio Mau

In Rio Mau, the flames are threatening a dozen houses in the Além Ribeiro area. Despite GNR's efforts to evacuate the area, at least one family is resisting. Disturbingly, no firefighters were seen near these homes, leaving residents to fend for themselves.

Photo: Carlos Carneiro

Melres Under Siege

In Melres, Gondomar, the fire spread from Moreira to Vilarinho, putting several homes at risk. Two Canadair planes were deployed to assist ground crews in protecting the area. By afternoon, 215 operatives and 65 vehicles were mobilized, with hopes to control the blaze by day's end.

Photo: Carlos Carneiro

Challenges and Complaints

Residents have voiced frustration over the lack of aerial support, despite seeing planes collect water from the Douro River in previous days. By 3 PM, two aerial units were finally activated, joining 199 ground operatives and 56 vehicles.

Photo: Carlos Carneiro

Roads Remain Open

The EN108 highway between Porto and Régua stayed open, as confirmed by GNR's Penafiel Traffic Division around 2 PM.

Photo: Carlos Carneiro