An image, captured from space by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, part of the European Union’s Earth observation programme, reveals the devastating impact of the major wildfire that swept through the Algarve municipalities of Aljezur and Lagos earlier this month.
The picture, taken on 22 September, is presented in “false colour,” highlighting the burnt landscape in deep shades of brown.
The major wildfire which tore through the Algarve municipalities of Aljezur and Lagos earlier this month was last week declared under control, following a massive firefighting effort that mobilised hundreds of emergency personnel and military reinforcements.
The blaze erupted on 21 September in the parish of Bordeira, Aljezur, quickly spreading across scrubland and pine forests into neighbouring Lagos. Fuelled by dry vegetation and strong winds, the fire consumed an estimated 2,000 hectares of land before containment lines held.
At the height of operations, more than 600 firefighters were deployed, supported by 230 ground vehicles, 13 aircraft, and 13 bulldozers. Four platoons of the Portuguese Army were also drafted in to help patrol and secure the fire’s perimeter, extinguish residual hotspots, and prevent flare-ups.
Despite the scale of the flames, human impact was limited. Fourteen people required medical attention, with four admitted to hospital for minor injuries and the remainder treated at the scene. At least one unoccupied home in Aljezur was destroyed.
Authorities warned that difficult weather conditions complicated efforts, with the approach of storm Gabrielle raising fears of gusts reaching 100 km/h. Overnight reactivations were reported in the Feiteira area, but firefighters managed to bring them under control.
By 24 September, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority confirmed the fire was under control, though vigilance remains high. Ground crews continue to monitor for smouldering hotspots, as reactivation remains a risk in the coming days.
The blaze was one of the most serious to strike the Algarve in recent years, reigniting concerns about the region’s vulnerability to wildfires in the face of rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells.
