Valpaços fire active with three fronts; Guarda fire in Portugal controlled

A significant wildfire in Valpaços, located in Portugal's northern Vila Real district, continues to burn actively with three distinct fronts, while a separate fire in Guarda, near the Spanish border, was declared under control early Wednesday.

The Valpaços fire, which ignited around 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday in Cabeço, Ervões parish, is currently the sole large-scale blaze active in the country. Despite evolving from five to four and then three fronts overnight, the flames are advancing intensely across a vast and difficult-to-access area. As of early Wednesday, 439 personnel supported by 140 vehicles were engaged in extinguishing efforts. Nine aerial units had intervened on Tuesday, with the ground team reinforced by crews from various regions after nightfall.

Reports indicate that a locality was nearly encircled by flames, and the fire approached livestock farms. However, authorities have not reported any evacuations, destroyed homes, or injuries. The national road EN213, connecting Valpaços with Chaves, remains closed in the affected zone.

Meanwhile, the fire that began Monday in Rochoso, Guarda municipality, was declared under control around 1 a.m. Wednesday. At its peak, this fire presented three fronts, prompting temporary closures of the A25 highway and the EN16 national road due to its proximity to several homes. Both roads have since been reopened. Approximately 606 personnel and 188 vehicles remained on site early Wednesday to consolidate the perimeter, extinguish remaining hot spots, and prevent flare-ups.

Portugal is currently experiencing high fire risk, with dozens of municipalities across eight districts under maximum alert due to high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation.