“In light of the extent and severity of the fire fronts in the municipality of Fundão, the Fundão City Hall has activated a social support line, 961 382 115, and a psychological support line, 966 398 185,” the city council reported, emphasizing that both contacts are charged as a national mobile network call.
The local authority highlighted that through these support lines, it is possible to request essential goods, food for animals, and psychological support.
The statement noted that the lines are continuously operational to address urgent situations.
The fire, which began on Wednesday in Arganil, located in the district of Coimbra, has already affected three municipalities in the district of Castelo Branco (Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Covilhã).
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, mainly in the Northern and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in three fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe. They have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
Provisional data indicates that over 222,000 hectares had burned in the country by August 20, surpassing the total burned area for the entire year of 2024.
