Wind complicates fires in Arouca, Ponte da Barca and Penamacor
More than 2,000 firefighters are currently fighting the country’s most complicated fires in three different areas: Arouca (Aveiro district), Ponte da Barca (Viana do Castelo) and Penamacor (Castelo Branco).
Combat is not being helped by strong winds. In Arouca, at least one village has had to be evacuated, although this far, flames have not reached properties.
In Penamacor, in the Castelo Branco district, fire fighting was “going favorably” at 4am this morning, according to the Beira Baixa Sub-regional Command.
In Ponte da Barca, after serious concerns last night “all populations are safe in their localities”
These however are just the three ‘big’ fires currently assailing Portugal, as the country swelters under high summer temperatures. Today all districts, except the Algarve, are under a yellow warning for heat, with some areas expecting temperatures in the high 30ºs.
Fire risk remains elevated/ maximum in all areas. People are advised to take great care in outdoor activities, in order not to unwittingly start a fire themselves.
Updates to come…
