SDIS 33/EPA
Wind is “common factor”. Maximum or very high danger in the north, center and Algarve. Almost 2000 firefighters are on the ground. Find out what to do in case of fire or smoke exposure.
More than 1,300 operatives were on the ground around 4:00 am on Tuesday to combat the flames in the fires that triggered in Mangualde, Ponte de Lima, Penamacor and Ponte da Barca, where air media were highlighted, according to Civil Protection.
O vento It is “very worrying and“ causes many difficulties ”: it is“ a common factor ”in the three largest fires, those of Arouca, Ponta da Barca and Penamacorwarned Commander Marco Martins at SIC Notícias.
A Dispersion of the three fires is “very large”which complicates the fight against flames, said the president of the League of Firefighters last night on the same channel.
Evacuada village, another confined in Arouca
The fire that launched Monday in Arouca, in the district of Aveiro, has currently Three active fronts.
The fire in Arouca mobilized this morning 552 operational, supported by 173 vehicles, told Lusa source of the subregional command of the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Only in Canelas and Espiunca were at 01h00 in the morning 532 operational and 165 vehicles. It was necessary to proceed to the Vila Viçosa village confinement.
A Coal ovens village is being evacuatedadded the same source, and the Paiva’s walkways and the suspended bridge were closed for safety reasons.
Penamacor to burn
In Penamacor, in the district of Castelo Branco, the combat “is running favorably”, according to the subregional command of Beira Baixa.
There are 405 operational, aided by 140 vehicles, in the fight against two active fronts, one of which is dominated “70%,” added this source. At least 30% of the fire perimeter was still active this morning.
Residents closed in the church in Ponte da Barca
Already in Ponte da Barca, Viana do Castelo district, fight the 370 operational fire with the aid of 127 vehicles. Of the three sectors in combat, two are already “in consolidation maneuvers,” the subregional commander of the Ave Valley of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority told Lusa, around 4:00 am.
Rui Costa also noticed that “all populations are safe in their localities”, but the Chapel village It is the zone that worried the most, with the residents being forced to seek shelter in the local church.
Mangualde
Also according to data on the Portal of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (APENPC), 161 operational fought around the same time a fire in Mangualde.
This morning there was still an active fire front in an area with difficult access.
What to do if you are exposed to smoke
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has made this Tuesday recommendations on what to do in a situation of fume inhalation from the fires such as removing the person from the local and observing whether to present facial burns and signs of breathing difficulty.
Fume inhalationDGS recommends removing the person from the site and prevents them from breathing or exposed to heat. They are signs of alarm, the presence of facial burns, breathing difficulty and change in the state of consciousness.
DGs warns that “the inhalation of fumes or irritating chemicals, and heat can cause damage to the respiratory tract.”
There are two lesion mechanisms: heat injury (burn) and irritation/toxicity by the chemical components of smoke.
In this sense, DGS recommends avoiding exposure to smoke, keeping indoors with closed windows and doors, in a cool environment, connecting the air conditioning, if possible, in air recirculation mode.
It should also be avoided the use of combustion sources indoors such as gas or wood, tobacco, candles, incense, among others, as well as to avoid activities abroad.
The use of mask/respirator (N95) is recommended whenever exposure is inevitable, as well as maintaining the usual medication “if you have associated diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and follow the doctor’s nominations in the event of any aggravation of complaints”.
“Stay informed, hydrated and fresh,” summarizes this health authority.
It also advises, if necessary or for more information, call SNS24 (808 24 24 24) and in emergency situation to 112.
DGS also points out in a note published on the site that ingest milk in case of smoke poisoning is a myth.
“It is not described in scientific articles to its usefulness. Milk is not an antidote of carbon monoxide,” he says.
It is recalled that temperatures will rise and the maximum or very high risk of rural fire will remain in the north, downtown and Algarve. According to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), this Tuesday is forecast days of hot and dry time.
