Vila Real, Portugal
Latest news and stories from Valpaços.
The Minister of Agriculture has announced the opening of applications for financial support to restore productive potential for farmers in Valpaços. The recent wildfire, which burned 13,800 hectares, caused significant damage to vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards in the region.
Wildfires in the Valpaços, Mirandela, and Vinhais regions have caused significant damage, destroying vineyards, olive groves, and homes. While firefighting efforts are progressing favorably in some areas, the first seven months of 2026 have already seen over 5,700 rural fires, the highest figure in four years. The Valpaços City Council is currently seeking a declaration of a state of calamity (estado de calamidade) from the government to address the losses.
Update: Valpaços wildfire now under control after massive destruction
The wildfire that began in Valpaços last Tuesday is now considered controlled and is in the resolution phase. The blaze consumed over 16,000 hectares across 14 municipalities, damaging 20 houses and forcing the relocation of residents.
A state of calamity (situação de calamidade) is the highest level of civil emergency Portugal can declare under its Civil Protection framework, short of a constitutional state of emergency. It is typically declared by the government in response to severe natural disasters such as major wildfires, floods, or storms.
A calamity declaration activates the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan, mobilizes additional resources, and grants authorities expanded powers to restrict movement, requisition private property, and deploy military assets. It also unlocks emergency financial support for affected populations and municipalities.
Portugal uses a three-tier alert system: alerta (alert), contingência (contingency), and calamidade (calamity), each with escalating levels of coordination and authority. The state of calamity requires coordination between the national government, ANEPC, local authorities, and emergency services.
A major wildfire in Valpaços has forced authorities to activate the Municipal Emergency Plan (Plano Municipal de Emergência). The fire has spread to the municipalities of Vinhais and Mirandela, with nearly 1,000 personnel and 300 vehicles currently engaged in firefighting efforts alongside other active blazes in Chaves and Penafiel.
Update: Firefighting efforts continue as blaze spreads to new areas
The wildfire has now consumed approximately 16,000 hectares, with the majority of the damage concentrated in Valpaços. While the blaze in Lagoa has been brought under control, crews remain on high alert across the northern region as they battle active fronts and potential reactivations.
A municipal emergency plan (Plano Municipal de Emergência) is a local framework that coordinates resources and response strategies during disasters like wildfires or floods. It defines the roles of local authorities, firefighters, and civil protection teams to ensure an organized response to protect residents and property.
More than 20 houses damaged and five people slightly injured
A major wildfire that ignited in Valpaços has spread to the municipality of Mirandela, damaging at least 21 houses and leaving five people injured. Over 800 emergency personnel are currently working to contain the blaze, which has forced the evacuation of residents in the village of Vale de Telhas. The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil or ANEPC) is coordinating the response as high-risk conditions persist across inland regions.
Update: Wildfires spread to Mirandela as evacuations continue
Firefighting efforts have intensified as the blaze reached the municipality of Mirandela, forcing the evacuation of residents from the villages of São Pedro Velho and Ervideira. Authorities report that the fire has now damaged 21 houses, including both permanent residences and secondary homes, while smoke and flames continue to complicate operations near the A24 motorway.
A district emergency plan (Plano Distrital de Emergência) is a local civil-protection document that sets roles, resources and actions a district will use to prevent and respond to major incidents like floods, storms or wildfires. Municipal and district civil protection authorities prepare and can activate the plan with support from the national emergency agency (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil), ordering evacuations, opening shelters, closing roads and coordinating rescue teams. Those in affected districts should follow local instructions, sign up for official alerts and know their nearest shelter and evacuation routes during heavy rain.
