Five Villages Evacuated as Forest Fires Rage in Pedrógão Grande
Five villages in the municipality of Pedrógão Grande, Portugal, have been evacuated due to two raging wildfires that ignited on August 19, 2025, reports 24brussels.
The ongoing fires have prompted significant emergency measures, with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) confirming the deployment of 400 troops, 100 vehicles, and 16 aircraft in the area of São Vicente by 7:00 PM local time. Meanwhile, the nearby Graça is supported by 190 firefighters, 479 vehicles, and three aircraft, highlighting the scale of the firefighting efforts in response to this crisis.
These fires are reminiscent of a major incident in June 2017, which resulted in over 60 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The present situation has escalated, with firefighting resources stretched across multiple districts. As of today, three injuries have been reported: two firefighters and one civilian, although specific health updates have not been shared by the ANEPC.
Control efforts are further challenged by another active fire that originated 11 days ago in the municipality of Arganil, which has since spread into the districts of Castelo Branco and Guarda, close to the Spanish border, involving over 1,600 personnel, 500 vehicles, and 18 aircraft. This summer’s wildfire season has proven devastating, claiming four lives, including a fire company employee who succumbed to injuries sustained while battling flames in Sabugal earlier this week.
In total, the ANEPC reported 57 incidents across peninsular Portugal today, with a notable concentration of activity in northern and central regions. The organization plans to maintain alert level 4 until next Monday as the firefighting efforts continue to combat this escalating crisis.
