The wildfire that broke out on Sunday in Aljezur, spreading into the municipality of Lagos, was declared under control early this morning, although flare-ups are still being reported, Civil Protection has confirmed.
Speaking at a press conference held in Tramelo, Aljezur, at 10.30am, Abel Gomes, deputy commander of the Algarve’s Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, said two “complicated rekindlings” in the Feiteira area overnight had been contained.
Operations are now focused on consolidating fire lines, monitoring risk areas and damping down hotspots, Gomes explained, stressing that the coming hours would be critical.
“During the night we saw some reactivations in Feiteira, where a flare-up yesterday afternoon had already extended the fire’s perimeter. These were tackled by crews already on the ground,” he said. The section of the fire inside Lagos municipality currently has no active fronts, though Gomes warned there could still be further reactivations.
Four Army platoons have been deployed along the fire’s perimeter to assist with containment, mop-up and surveillance. “These troops arrived today and will allow firefighters to be freed up for other potential emergencies,” Gomes noted.
He cautioned that conditions remain volatile, particularly given forecasts from the national meteorological institute (IPMA) of the approach of Cyclone Gabriel, which could bring winds of up to 100 km/h. “We are watching the cyclone’s trajectory with concern. Strong winds could have an impact in this area,” he said. So far, 14 people have required medical attention, with four taken to hospital for minor injuries.
Authorities estimate the blaze has consumed roughly 2,000 hectares since igniting shortly after midday on Sunday in the parish of Bordeira, Aljezur.
The firefighting effort remains extensive, involving 765 personnel, 230 vehicles, 13 aircraft (planes and helicopters) and 13 tracked machines.
