The air hung thick and heavy this Tuesday morning, not with pre-game anticipation, but with the grim haze of smoke. Across the northern and central regions, a relentless opponent has taken to the field: five major wildfires. Over 1,600 dedicated operatives have stepped onto this challenging arena. They are the frontline athletes, battling the blaze in municipalities like Mangualde, Ponte de Lima, Arouca, Penamacor, and Ponte da Barca. Air support, like star players called off the bench, has been requested for this critical contest.
At 9:15 AM, Commander Elísio Pereira of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) gave an update. He detailed the scale of this fierce competition. The five most demanding fires were spread across the districts of Viseu, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, and Castelo Branco. A massive squad of 1,612 operatives was deployed. They were backed by 509 ground vehicles, their essential equipment in this fiery match.
“We’re positioning more air resources,” Commander Pereira told the Lusa agency. “Some might be delayed getting in. Smoke affects visibility, and safety is key. All these fires are getting national air support. We must consider the tricky terrain.” It’s a tough playing field, demanding precise tactics.
A Community’s Comeback
The human element is always central to any great contest. Earlier, the village of Fornos de Carvão in Arouca, Aveiro district, saw residents evacuated overnight. It was a difficult but necessary strategic move. Commander Pereira confirmed the situation there is now “more calm.” He added a note of hope: “As soon as conditions allow, people will return to their homes.” It’s the promise of a comeback victory for the community.
Looking at the scorecards from ANEPC’s official page at 9:30 AM, the Arouca contest remains intense. A force of 578 operatives, 180 ground vehicles, and two air resources are giving their all. Questions linger whether this particular match has spread into the Castelo de Paiva municipality. The Civil Protection source couldn’t confirm this developing play.
Regional Skirmishes
The battle isn’t confined to just one arena. In Penamacor, Castelo Branco, 384 people are fighting hard on the ground. They have 134 resources, including six vital air units, supporting their efforts.
Further north, in Viana do Castelo district, the Ponte da Barca fire has been active since Saturday. It’s a long, grueling endurance test. Here, 388 operatives and 126 resources are pushing forward. Nearby, in Ponte de Lima, 92 firefighters and 26 vehicles are also engaged in their own segment of the struggle.
Finally, in Mangualde, Viseu, 173 operatives are on duty. They are supported by 45 ground vehicles and two air resources. Each location represents a critical front in this grand, unfolding championship. Every operative is playing their part, aiming for the ultimate victory: safety and calm.