Fire in Vila Real with three active fronts

These have been difficult days for firefighters, with several fires across the country.

In Vila Real, the greatest concern is in Vila Cova, where the fire is close to homes. The same is true in the village of São Miguel da Pena.

Alexandre Favaios, mayor of Vila Real, speaks of criminal activity and an “attack” on the territory.

"What we are witnessing is clearly an attack on our territory. There was an initial fire yesterday at 2:00 PM in São Cibrão, which spread to the municipality of Sabrosa, followed by a second at 8:00 PM between Mondrões and Torgueda, and later, at 11:00 PM, we had a fire in Sirarelhos," the mayor said this Sunday, calling on authorities to "continue their work to punish those who are jeopardizing our common home."

This fire involved 10 aircraft. At around 8:30 p.m., according to the Civil Protection website, 224 firefighters were fighting the fire in the Union of Parishes of Pena, Quintã, and Vila Cova, supported by 72 vehicles.

There was a need to evacuate people from their homes and a chapel was consumed by flames.

Meanwhile, the fire in Torgueda has entered the resolution phase, as has the one in São Martinho de Anta, in the municipality of Sabrosa, after a difficult night that forced the evacuation of a nursing home.

The next few hours will be decisive.

At a time when information is more important than ever, support regional and local journalism. Access to most VTM news is (still) free, but it's not free; journalism costs money and requires investment. This contribution is a way to directly support A Voz de Trás-os-Montes and its journalists. Our counterpart is independent and local journalism, but not only that. It means continuing to inform despite all contingencies; we never stop for a single day.

Contribute with a donation!