Cabril, Unhais-o-Velho, Fajao-Vidual, Pampilhosa da Serra, Portugal – A large controlled burn carried out on April 17 was captured in aerial drone footage showing fire spreading across rural mountain terrain in central Portugal.

The video shows bright orange flames forming long moving lines across dry scrubland and hillside vegetation. Thick black and white smoke rises heavily into the air and spreads across the surrounding landscape.

On the ground, emergency crews are positioned along dirt roads and firebreaks. Red fire trucks, yellow support vehicles, and firefighters in high-visibility clothing monitor and manage the controlled burn across the area.

From above, the terrain shows a contrast between burned black areas and untouched green zones. Utility poles cross the region, while distant mountain ridges and wind turbines are visible under daylight conditions.

The operation was carried out in rural central Portugal as part of a planned wildfire prevention effort.

Its purpose is to reduce vegetation fuel, strengthen firebreaks, and improve long-term resilience ahead of the fire season, while increasing regional response capability.

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