In an update at 12 pm, the sub-regional commander for emergencies and civil protection in Alto Tâmega and Barroso, Artur Mota, indicated that the fire is around 90 per cent under control and that the next two to three hours will require close attention.

“We cannot let our guard down because temperatures are set to rise significantly, but we have no active fire fronts, just a few hotspots to bring under control. I believe we will not have any more homes at risk, but the next two to three hours will require a great deal of attention,” said Artur Mota.

According to the commander, a thick plume of smoke is still visible near the A24 motorway leading to Chaves, in the district of Vila Real, with a pair of Alpha aircraft currently tackling this hotspot.

“It is precisely this location that requires the most care at present. Of course, if I were giving this update at night, I would be even more optimistic, but at the moment the firefighting operation is progressing favourably,” added the commander.

According to information available on the official website of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), as at 12:30 pm on 31 July, there were 156 firefighters at the scene of the fire, which broke out at 1:52 pm on 30 July, supported by 50 vehicles and three aircraft.