“The alert issued yesterday [Monday] for the localities of Ingarnal, Almaceda, Paradanta, Vale de Figueira, Partida, Ribeira de Eiras, Rochas de Cima, Pereiros, and São Vicente da Beira was extended today to the villages of Mourelo and Violeiro, Louriçal do Campo, Casal da Serra, Sobral do Campo, and Ninho do Açor,” stated the local government in a note posted on its Facebook page.
According to the municipality, traffic is prohibited on the EN352 in both directions between the Vale Palaio and São Vicente da Beira intersection, as well as the EN238 in both directions between Lavacolhos and Castelejo.
“In the parishes of São Vicente da Beira and Almaceda, where the fire is raging, there are several roads, paths, and streets that are closed.”
The municipality also advised avoiding travel to affected areas unless involved in firefighting efforts and recommended following the instructions of authorities on the ground.
On Monday night, the Castelo Branco City Council activated the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan.
The fire entered Castelo Branco from the Fundão municipality, originating in Arganil in the Coimbra district, where it broke out on Wednesday at 5:00 a.m.
This fire has also spread to the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Oliveira do Hospital (Coimbra district), Seia (Guarda), and Covilhã (Castelo Branco).
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 caused two fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly minor. They have also completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which two Fire Boss aircraft arrived to aid in firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, more than 201,000 hectares have burned in the country up to August 19, exceeding the total area burned throughout 2024.
