by EuroNews
It’s published
•update
Pontugal authorities said on Tuesday that more than 1,300 firefighters have been deployed to combat three major bushfires in the Arouca, Ponte da Barca and Penamacour area.
At least 900 officers have been sent to fight the strongest flames in Ponteda Barca and Aluca, which have been causing fires since Monday afternoon. Another 400 was deployed to Penamacoll.
In Aluka, where the fire is still active, authorities evacuated the village of Fornos de Calvin early on Tuesday morning after the flames threatened to tear the residential buildings.
Paiba’s passageways, a popular trekking trail that runs along the banks of the Paiva River, are closed due to flames.
Authorities are struggling to contain the fire in Pontedalca, which began in the village of Lindos on Saturday night. Firefighters were still working to stabilize the area around 4am Tuesday, local media said.
According to Beira Baixa’s sub-regional headquarters, efforts to control fire burning in the Castelo Branco area of Penamacor were “in favor.” The fire that began Monday afternoon was instigated in the evening by wind speeds of 3,500 meters per hour.
Authorities announced they aim to control the fire by Tuesday afternoon.
As of 7am Tuesday, another overnight fire broke out in the Central Portuguese town of Sever do Vouga, where at least 87 staff members are fighting.
The fire comes after authorities placed much of the country under a yellow warning, at least until after weeks of rising temperatures on Thursday.
The Sectubal district, near Lisbon’s capital, is projected to reach 40c on Tuesday, while Aveiro and Viana do Castelo are projected to reach 29c. The temperature at Castello Blanco threatened to rise to 36c.
