A full briefing on Saturday morning outlined the current situation in Monchique where Friday’s fire continues on two fronts.
The fire that started in the Perna da Negra area of Monchique, is expected to get worse this afternoon as the wind picks and the temperature rises still further to a predicted 46°C.
The Commander of Faro District Relief Operations, Víctor Vaz Pinto, said the fire began yesterday afternoon at around 1.30, and had, "an explosive start in an area of difficult access.”
There has been no comment from fire services or police as to the probable cause of the blaze.
According to Pinto, "we are implementing our plan" but as to when the fire will be put out, it is impossible to say as it continues on two active fronts, with one closer to being extinguished than the other.
There are 710 firefighters on the scene, supported by 180 vehicles and 11 aircraft.
There were eight firefighters injured yesterday but they have recovered from the effects of exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
People have been allowed back to the village of Taipas after it was evacuated and no public are in danger, according to Pinto who confirmed that some agricultural buildings had been destroyed but no house, as previously feared.
The fire has consumed 1,000 hectares so far and the Council’s Emergency Relief Plan was triggered yesterday as the blaze became widespread.
This is the first major fire in the Algarve region this year and the Council, emergency services and the public have worked together to ensure that all that can be done, is being done to contain the fire and put it out.
In a textbook exercise, firefighters were in place without undue delay, airborne helicopters and airplanes soon were dumping water on the flames and evacuees were accommodated overnight in designated areas.
The roasting air temperature and wind have encouraged the fire to spread rapidly and there is much work yet to be done in containing and extinguishing the flames.
Supplies needed: The 'Associação de Alerta do Incéndio Florestal' has asked for donations as follows:
"Supplies are needed and can be delivered to SILVES bomberios and they will transport them to Monchique. Please do not take supplies direct to Monchique, the roads need to be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
So we need
Bottles of water no bigger than 500ml
Energy drinks
Tetra-paks (fruit Juice)
Snack bars
energy bars
toiletries men and women
cotton socks , men and women , these do not have to be new , I am sure the washing machine will help find odd socks :)
old towels
burn creams
wet wipes
and also during a fire fruit, basically "HAND" food
Check this out its Facebook page - Associação de Alerta do Incéndio Florestal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/188450517987882/
UPDATE 19:40
The settlements of Corchas, Ladeira de Cima and Trucais are being evacuated as the fire in the Monchique area continues to rage, gaining strength from increased wind speeds.
Safe Communities Portugal has the following official information for readers:
Monchique fire protection advice from the government:
http://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/monchique-fire-protection-and-advice-from-government/
and download this .pdf file 'Safe Village Safe People - Protecting yourself against rural fires'
