"We inform you that the Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca bridge are once again open to the public starting tomorrow, August 2nd," reads a note published on the walkways' Facebook page.

In the case of the Paiva Walkways, the reopening will be partial, as only the Areinho-Vau section will be accessible, with the Vau-Espiunca section remaining closed.

"The 516 Arouca bridge will once again be open to the public without any changes," the same note states.

The fire, which broke out on Monday in Arouca and was declared under control today at 7:00 a.m., destroyed part of the Paiva Walkways, stretching hundreds of meters in the Espiunca area, where one of the entrances to this facility is located.

This was the fourth time fires have hit this tourist destination, which stretches 8.7 kilometers along one of the banks of the Paiva River and is a major source of revenue for the local economy.

The mayor of Arouca, Margarida Belém, has already told Lusa that the municipality will study an "innovative measure that allows easier access to certain points" and implement some mechanism to "contain these fires near the walkways."

Since its inauguration in June 2015, the Paiva Walkways have been closed three times (in 2015, 2016, and 2024) for months-long restoration work due to forest fires.

In April, the infrastructure reopened in its entirety after three months of repairs to repair the damage caused by the last fire, which cost over €200,000.

During its first decade of operation, the Paiva Walkways welcomed approximately 1.8 million visitors from various countries and generated approximately €1.9 million in revenue, with ticket prices ranging up to €2, depending on the visitor's age and municipality of residence.

However, it is estimated that the financial return for the municipality would be much higher if revenue from local accommodations, restaurants, and tourist activities is taken into account.