District of Aveiro blighted by wildfires
Several houses are being consumed by flames in Albergaria-a-Velha, in the district of Aveiro, due to a fire that started on Sunday in the neighbouring municipality of Sever do Vouga, the local mayor told Lusa news agency this morning. Another major fire is also being battled in Oliveira de Azeméis by over 500 firefighters.
“At this moment, we already have houses on fire. We have a house burning in Cruzinha and another in the village of Laranjeiras. These are primary residences,” the mayor of Albergaria-a-Velha, António Loureiro, said.
The mayor also revealed that authorities have already evacuated the Brandão Gomes neighborhood and have requested the evacuation of the Cruzinha area as well.
The municipal also decided to cancel classes today, designating a meeting point for the population near the cinema in the centre of Albergaria.
“At this moment, the fire has spread across several areas of the municipality. We don’t have enough resources. One of the major problems right now is the lack of resources,” the mayor said, adding that aerial firefighting support is not yet operational.
According to António Loureiro, the A25 highway and the Complementary Itinerary (IC) have been closed to traffic in the area.
As 8.50am, according to information available on the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) website, 168 personnel, supported by 57 vehicles, were fighting this fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, 515 personnel aided by 163 vehicles are battling flames nearby in the municipality of Oliveira de Azeméis. A firefighter has died while battling the fire in Oliveira de Azeméis, reportedly due to a “sudden illness”.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
