Portugal: Authorities evacuate village in Arcos de Valdevez municipality (Norte region) due to wildfire September 8

Event

Civil protection officials evacuated the village of Cheda in Arcos de Valdevez municipality (Norte region) on Tuesday, September 8, after a number of wildfires broke out in the region. The fire in Cheda started in the afternoon and the residents were moved to a safe location while firefighters fought to subdue the fire. By around 19:00 (local time), the fire had been contained and no damage or injuries were reported. Another fire was reported in Monção municipality (Norte region) on Tuesday, which is threatening the inhabitants of the community of Leiradelo. As of Tuesday evening, no evacuations had been ordered, but authorities warned they might need to as firefighters continued to tackle the blaze. Another fire that had previously been contained reintensified in the parish of Vila Nova de Anha in Viana do Costelo district (Norte region) on Tuesday morning and, along with the Monção fire, continues to cause authorities concern.

Further spread of the fires is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fires are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders.