The fire forced the 67 elderly residents of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ourique nursing home had to be evacuated after it broke out in the dining area around 9 pm last night, Tuesday November 26th.
Speaking to RTP, Marcelo Guerreiro, Mayor of Ourique, revealed that "there are no injuries to register".
The elderly people were transferred from the retirement home and spread out to the Ourique Convivial Centre, the Fire Department building, and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia daycare center, and now. It is not yet known where they will spend tonight.
"Assessments have been underway in the building so that a decision can be made to see if they can return," explained the mayor.
The fire is extinguished but there is damage home's dining area, which accommodates all of the residents’ eating needs, "although smoke has spread throughout the building."
"The most important thing was the safety of people", concluded Mr. Guerreiro, in his statements to RTP.
Involved in the Ourique firefight were 76 firefighters, supported by 33 vehicles, from Ourique, Beja, Odemira, Castro Verde, Aljustrel and Ferreira do Alentejo.
