A statement on Facebook from the Covilhã municipality noted that a fire front originating in Seia at 5:30 PM was advancing “with some intensity.” The municipal authorities issued a precaution alert for the localities of Unhais da Serra, Cortes de Baixo, Bouça, and Cortes do Meio. They also announced that the road between Unhais da Serra and Penhas da Saúde is closed to traffic. Regarding the fire front at Dominguizo/Vales do Rio/Peso/Tortosendo, the municipality registered several flare-ups throughout the day, which are being addressed and currently pose no risk to the population.
This fire, which began on the 13th in Arganil, Coimbra district, has now affected three municipalities in Castelo Branco district: Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Covilhã. Portugal has faced several large-scale rural fires since July, especially in the North and Center regions. The blazes have resulted in three fatalities, including a firefighter, and multiple injuries, some severe. Homes and agricultural properties have been destroyed or damaged, and considerable forested areas have been affected.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, through which it has access to two Fire Boss aircraft, with two additional Canadair planes expected to arrive by Friday. According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned across the country, with over 53,000 hectares affected by the fire that began in Arganil.
