At 14:50, the vice-president of the municipality of Fundão, Miguel Gavinhos, stated that the meteorological conditions in the region are “very adverse to fighting the flames, even for ground teams.”
“There’s a massive smoke curtain preventing aircraft from operating. We are aware that this is a fire with a very large perimeter [over 40 kilometers] and it’s not possible to have resources on all fronts,” he said.
He emphasized that the most devastating fire front is heading towards Enxabarda and, if not contained, will certainly reach Açor.
“The Lavacolhos front surrounded the locality,” he noted.
Miguel Gavinhos also issued an appeal to the population to clear access roads to the fire fronts to aid firefighters and other authorities involved.
The vice-president pointed out that three bulldozers are currently operating in the field, with two more expected, one provided by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and another by the Armed Forces.
The fire that broke out on Wednesday in Arganil spread in various directions, including Seia (Guarda), and reached the municipality of Covilhã by Sunday night, and today it spread to the municipality of Fundão.
At 15:10 today, according to the website of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, the fire originating in Arganil was being fought by 1,199 personnel, supported by 406 vehicles and 11 aircraft.
Continental Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, especially in the North and Center regions, amid high temperatures that prompted the declaration of a state of alert since August 2.
The fires have resulted in two fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly minor, as well as the complete or partial destruction of primary and secondary residences, along with agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which two Fire Boss airplanes are expected to arrive on Monday to bolster firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, by August 17, 172,000 hectares had burned in the country, surpassing the area burned in the entire year of 2024.
