The operational commander, Maria João Rosado, announced plans to mitigate the intensity of a current wildfire, with improved weather conditions expected overnight.
Rosado, also the Sub-Regional Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection for Central Alentejo, mentioned a forecasted increase of ground resources in the ongoing battle against the active blaze.
Alandroal’s Mayor, João Grilo, confirmed to journalists that firefighting efforts are being bolstered, expecting manpower to reach 500 personnel overnight.
The blaze, first reported at 09:22 today, extended nearly 20 kilometers with approximately 40 separate fire spots, some reaching significant sizes, according to Commander Rosado.
Rosado highlighted the complex nature of the fire, spreading over a vast area, making resource allocation challenging.
While the fire remains active, efforts are now concentrated on isolated, scattered farms, with no immediate threat to larger populated areas.
Throughout the day, firefighters confronted several obstacles, such as poor access and erratic wind patterns, Rosado explained.
“Certain areas were inaccessible by land, necessitating the use of 13 aerial units throughout the day,” she noted, with aircraft completing over 300 water drops.
Mayor Grilo estimated that nearly two-thirds of the municipality suffered some impact due to the “40 fires,” with most quickly controlled, but a few gaining momentum.
A combination of organic fuel, wind, and heat exacerbated the situation, making some fires challenging to manage, he explained.
When asked about the maintenance of the EN255 road verges, Grilo confirmed municipal responsibility areas were cleared but was unsure about those managed by the state.
Throughout the day, a precautionary evacuation involved five to six residents moved to a fire station, and three responders sustained minor injuries.
By 10:00 PM, Civil Protection sources indicated that while the fire was still active, it was yielding to firefighting efforts, involving 307 personnel and 108 vehicles.
