ICNF says it cannot fine alert-period rule breaches in Gerês

The ICNF has said it is not responsible for sanctioning breaches of exceptional restrictions imposed under the fire alert declaration, following reports of dozens of people at Sete Lagoas, in Montalegre's Peneda-Gerês National Park, despite bans on access. Firefighters had to rescue two people there in early July. The institute distinguishes between generally permitted access to the site under park management rules and temporary restrictions during alert periods, which must be respected. GNR later identified 47 people breaching the rules in the same area, and one in Sabrosa.