The fire ravaging hillsides across the Monchique council area now threatens the town itself with latest reports indicating that the blaze is heading for the village of Alferce.
Despite over 800 firefighters, a dozen assorted aircraft and fire engines aplenty, the fire now seems out of control as it threatens to cut off the Council capital. Only 30% of the fire area is reported as being extinguished.
Portela do Vento was evacuated at 4pm this afternoon and with roasting temperatures and unpredictable wind, the Command structure has admitted that certain areas will have to be left to burn as they are inaccessible to land forces and air support.
Just after 1pm, the District Commander for Relief Operations, Vaz Pinto, said that there was a south-facing front heading towards Monchique itself and they had no way of stopping it using ground or air support teams. A second front is threatening Nave Redonda in the Alentejo's Odemira Council area.
Work to create firebreaks between the approaching flames and the town of Monchique has started with 16 more diggers on their way, with drivers preparing to toil through the fire’s third night to stop the flames from reaching Alferce and the town of Monchique itself.
When asked about the fire getting as far as the town of Monchique, Pinto said, "I have never concealed from you that this fire is a highly dangerous fire and that all actions have to be well thought out. There is, in fact, this risk you are referring to, as there are others."
So far, 110 people have been evacuated with no casualties. Villages affected are Taipas, Foz do Carvalhoso, Ladeira de Cima, Pedra da Negra, Foz do Lavajo, Corjas, Foz do Farelo, Ribeira Grande and Portela da Viúva.
Vaz Pinto also said that 30 firefighters have needed medical attention, mainly due to heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
This major incident has been picked up on overseas news services and is widely covered on Portuguese media channels.
For footage, click HERE
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'
