Wildfires force emergency plans in northern Portugal
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.
