The main perimeter of the wildfire affecting the region is now mostly under control, with only one active but managed front remaining in the Alforfa valley, stretching from Unhais to the Padre Alfredo Dam, according to a statement released by the municipal authorities at 10:45 PM on Facebook.
The Covilhã City Council highlighted that despite the “improvement in the current situation,” resources remain on site as consolidation, overhaul, and monitoring efforts continue to ensure full containment of the fire.
“It remains crucial for individuals to continue practicing safe and responsible behaviors, avoiding any activities that might put them at risk or contribute to reactivations,” the council emphasized.
In a previous update around 5:30 PM, the municipality reported two active fronts and noted several small fire reactivations during the afternoon.
Due to the ongoing wildfires, the Covilhã City Council decided to cancel a scheduled reenactment visit and concert planned for today as part of the Summer in the Historic Center initiative.
The municipality also announced the availability of an “open consultation for evaluating children who present acute respiratory symptoms, such as cough, breathing difficulties, or chest pain.”
“This measure is aimed at children and young people up to 18 years old and results from a partnership with pediatric healthcare professionals who volunteered to conduct assessments, management, and, if necessary, referrals,” the council explained.
Multidisciplinary teams are already on the ground providing social support to those affected by the fires.
The fire, which started on the 13th in Arganil, Coimbra district, has spread to three municipalities in the Castelo Branco district (Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Covilhã).
As of 11:00 PM, there were 1,508 personnel on the ground, supported by 519 land units, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority’s website.
Mainland Portugal has been experiencing several large-scale rural fires since July, primarily in the North and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in three deaths, including a firefighter, several injuries, some of which are severe, and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences as well as agricultural, livestock, and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has two Fire Boss planes and a Super Puma helicopter. Two additional Canadair planes are expected to arrive today.
Provisional official data indicates that by August 22, around 234,000 hectares have burned nationwide, with over 53,000 hectares affected by the fire that began in Arganil.
