The wildfire that broke out on Sunday in Aljezur, Algarve, and spread into the neighbouring municipality of Lagos, is now reported to be 70% under control, according to Civil Protection officials. A remaining eight-kilometre stretch of active fire continues to pose a “serious concern”.
Speaking at a press conference in Alfambras, the Algarve’s deputy regional commander for Civil Protection, Abel Gomes, said that the remaining 30% of the blaze still contains “critical points that could complicate operations”.
“These are areas that have not yet burned – what we call ‘islands’ – which may reignite and spark new projections due to the moderate to strong winds,” he explained.
Reviewing the firefighting efforts, Gomes noted that the blaze spread with alarming speed, accelerating from 52 hectares per hour to 236 hectares, presenting major challenges to crews. The total area burned remains unknown.“In addition to the wind, poor access has been a problem, forcing teams to open up new paths to reach the fire front,” he added.
The fire is still burning in the national forest of Barão de São João, in Lagos, “though no homes are currently at risk,” Gomes confirmed. He stressed that the priority now is to prevent the flames from moving westwards, which would present “serious difficulties” for firefighters. So far, nine people have sustained minor injuries, most from smoke inhalation, and one second home in Aljezur has been destroyed.
A total of 518 personnel are engaged in the operation, backed by 181 vehicles and seven aircraft. A heavy water-bombing helicopter has also been placed on standby “for targeted interventions”, though there have been reports that this aircraft has also been mobilised throughout the day. Gomes warned that “a great deal of work” remains before the fire can be fully extinguished.
