Summary:
Over 100 firefighters battling six fires in Viana do Castelo.
Strong winds complicate firefighting efforts, threatening homes.
Commander claims arson is behind the recent surge in fires.
18 fires recorded in the last five days, with one spanning 50 hectares.
GNR is assisting firefighters in combating the blazes.
Fires in Viana do Castelo
More than 100 firefighters are currently battling six active fires in the district of Viana do Castelo. The majority of the teams are focused on two significant fires in Arcos de Valdevez, located in the Minho region.
One of the fires is in Soajo, where as of 00:45, there are 38 personnel and 10 firefighting vehicles deployed, according to the Civil Protection page. In the parish of Vilela, São Cosme, São Damião, and Sá, another 33 firefighters and seven vehicles are on the scene. As reported by SIC Notícias, the strong winds are severely hampering efforts, putting several homes at risk.
A Call to Action
“The situation is very dire. Terrorism has returned to Arcos de Valdevez. In the last five days, we have recorded 18 fires, one covering 50 hectares. All these fires started after 19:20. This is all arson; the temperatures do not support such fires,” stated Filipe Guimarães, commander of the Arcos de Valdevez Volunteer Firefighters, as quoted by the Jornal de Notícias.
Additional Fires and Support
There are also reports of other fire locations in Paredes de Coura and Ponto da Barca. According to the Correio da Manhã, the GNR is also providing assistance to the firefighters.
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