Portugal: Firefighters recover from accident as weather alerts issued

Four firefighters from the Arouca volunteer corps are recovering after their vehicle fell into a 150-meter ravine while responding to a forest fire. The accident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday. As of Saturday, one firefighter has been discharged to recover at home, while the remaining three remain hospitalized at Hospital São Sebastião in Santa Maria da Feira. Local authorities report that the clinical evolution of the hospitalized personnel is favorable, though one 54-year-old firefighter remains in a complex clinical state.

Separately, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has issued a weather alert for mainland Portugal. Due to incoming frontal systems, heavy and persistent rain is expected, particularly in the Northwest region, including Minho and Douro Litoral. The alert warns of potential urban flooding, landslides—especially in areas recently affected by forest fires—and slippery road conditions. Coastal areas may also experience significant wave agitation.