The world of sports thrives on clear paths and open roads, but a different kind of challenge has arisen this week. Four key national routes, arteries for travel across the districts of Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Santarém, and Portalegre, are currently shut down. This Tuesday afternoon, the National Republican Guard confirmed these closures. Wildfires, stubborn and swift, are the reason for this disruption.
At 4:20 PM, official reports outlined the specific blockages. In Aveiro, National Road (EN) 224 is impassable between Arouca and Real, closed in both directions. Over in Castelo Branco, EN233 also faces a two-way closure, affecting the stretch connecting Pedrógão and Águas. These roads are often used by teams and fans moving between training grounds and event locations.
Further south, EN362 in Santarém district is off-limits. Its section between Alcanede and Aldeia da Ribeira is closed to all traffic, both ways. Similarly, EN18 is also affected, blocking travel between Vila Velha de Ródão (Castelo Branco district) and Nisa (Portalegre). These closures mean significant detours for anyone planning routes, whether for competition or support.
It’s a massive effort unfolding across the country. Around 2,500 personnel are mobilized this afternoon. They are battling the nine most significant rural fires in the nation. One of the toughest fights is in Ponte da Barca, Viana do Castelo district, where over 700 operatives have been working for more than 24 hours. Another major incident is in Arouca/Castelo de Paiva, Aveiro district. Over 400 people are fighting that blaze, which has been burning since Saturday. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority website highlights these critical situations.
Civil Protection also lists other major incidents. These are significant due to their duration or the resources they demand. Rural fires are active in Nisa, where one person sadly lost their home. Other affected areas include Ponte de Lima, Sever do Vouga, Baião, Penafiel, Penamacor, and Alcanede. The Authority’s website shared this update around 5:50 PM.
In various communities, residents have already been moved to safety. This is a preventative measure. Local mayors are urgently asking for more operational resources on the ground. Some firefighters have sustained minor injuries during these intense operations. Their dedication is clear for all to see.
The scale of the challenge is stark. Out of 175 rural fires recorded across the country from Monday morning until 11:00 AM today, half of them started at night. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority shared this balance at 12:00 PM, with another update set for 7:00 PM.
During a press conference held at the agency’s headquarters in Oeiras, Commander Mário Silvestre provided more details. He stated that 124 incidents were recorded on Monday. An additional 51 new fires sparked between midnight and 11:00 AM today.
The fire near Lindoso/Ponte da Barca, which scorched about 2,000 hectares between Saturday night and 8:00 AM today, was “stabilized” by that hour. Cleanup and “consolidation work” are still ongoing there. It’s a huge area, the size of many training grounds combined.
Top officials are keenly watching the situation. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral visited the agency’s headquarters today. They came to monitor the “critical situation” caused by the fires.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also affirmed he is closely following the fires’ progress. He is in constant contact with local mayors. The President believes the strategy of protecting communities in fire-affected zones is the correct one. Safety, after all, always comes first, whether in sport or in life.