A fire at a rental car storage area adjoining the Agricultural Directorate in Patacão, near Faro airport, already has destroyed at least 40 vehicles as firefighters from stations in São Brás de Alportel, Olhão and Loulé tackle the blaze.
A column of smoke has been visible for miles but the fire service responded to the call at 14:18 and operatives soon were tackling the inferno, made more perilous by the possibility of petrol tanks, laden with fuel, exploding.
The car rental storage area, used by Zitauto, is just in a fenced off field where weeds have been allowed to grow and dry off in the summer sun presenting ideal conditions for a spark or a hot exhaust pipe to start a blaze.
The field has around 150-200 rental cars stored in unsafe conditions amid the tinder-dry undergrowth. It is around 30°C in Faro this afternoon with a stiff breeze that ensured the fire spread quickly.
One fireman has been injured and was taken to Faro Hospital for treatment to his legs.
The flames were controlled by 16:00 with firemen left on site to watch for further outbreaks.
Foto: LUÍS FORRA/Lusa