FCO's Algarve travel warning criticised by top local official

The chairman of the Faro District Civil Protection Commission said today that "it is not good for the Algarve" that the a UK government ministry has issued a warning advising Britons not to travel to areas affected by the fires.

"We have always tried to convey the idea that the Algarve continues to be and is a safe destination and that there are areas of the Algarve where this fire is not happening," said Botelho.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a warning that sensibly advised Britons not to travel to areas of Portugal affected by fires, such as the Monchique area of the Algarve.

The notice read, “A major forest fire, which started a number of days ago in the area of Monchique, in the Algarve, has spread to neighbouring municipalities.

The Portuguese authorities have been evacuating the affected areas. Strong winds in the area make the spread of fire unpredictable. For your own safety, travel to the areas where the fires are burning is not advised. If you’re already in the area, follow the instructions of the Portuguese police and Civil Protection authorities.”

"The civil protection system - and we met with all of those involved - truly worked to support the people, the displaced, the people who had to leave the house and to be welcomed in the gathering points,” said Botelho.

The fire that broke out on last Friday afternoon to the north of Monchique, travelled to the Silves, Portimão and Odemira districts.

According to today’s reports, there are 36 injured, one seriously and 299 people were evacuated to support centres.

According to the European Forest Fire Information System, the flames already have consumed 23,478 hectares.

It may not be "good for the Algarve" that the UK government issued timely and sensible advice to its nationals but it is better to be safe than sorry.

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