“The situation worsened significantly in the early afternoon, making the fire much more severe than it was in the morning,” stated Paulo Fernandes.
Speaking to the agency at 16:50, the mayor noted the involvement of resources in firefighting efforts, particularly aerial means, which were “crucial” in the morning.
“However, there was no continuity [of these aerial means] in the early afternoon, complicating the fight. There was some reinforcement in foot troops, but with the loss of control over the flames, we are going to need many more,” he emphasized.
Paulo Fernandes also mentioned that following contact with the municipality of Mafra, Lisbon district, a bulldozer will be made available, with another already operating in the field.
“We need many more resources,” he reiterated.
Despite the challenges, the firefront near the locality of Açor is under control.
The mayor of Fundão, in the district of Castelo Branco, expressed grave concern about the increasing risk across the Gardunha mountain range on both the southern and northern slopes, which makes the “situation much more dangerous.”
This fire, which broke out on the 13th (Wednesday) in Arganil, Coimbra district, has also spread to the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Oliveira do Hospital (Coimbra district), Seia (Guarda), and Covilhã and Castelo Branco (Castelo Branco district).
Continental Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, especially in the North and Center regions.
The fires have resulted in three fatalities, including a firefighter, and numerous injuries, some severe, and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences as well as agricultural and livestock farms and forested areas.
According to preliminary data, over 222,000 hectares have burned in the country up to August 20, surpassing the total area burned in all of 2024.
