The Civil Protection agency announced today at a press conference that 70% of the Aljezur fire in the Algarve is under control, although the anticipated wind conditions throughout the day remain a significant concern for authorities.
Abel Gomes, the deputy regional commander of Civil Protection in the Algarve, noted, “there are many areas within the affected perimeter that have not burned,” and these areas, termed “islands,” could “become a problem” and critical points in firefighting efforts.
“We will continue to have wind. Constant wind all day. It’s a problem we need to manage,” emphasized the commander, adding that despite “70% of the fire being under control,” the “30% that hasn’t burned” is of greatest concern because it is where the “fire could escape us.”
In summarizing the firefighting efforts, the commander remarked that the fire developed at a very high speed, advancing from 52 hectares per hour to 236 hectares, posing major challenges for firefighters, while the total burned area remains unknown.
“Beyond just the wind, access has also been problematic in combating the fire (…), necessitating the creation of paths to reach the fire front,” he observed.
According to Abel Gomes, the fire continues to spread in the national forest of Barão de São João, in the municipality of Lagos, “but without presently putting homes at risk.”
Additionally, the Civil Protection official assured that “all personnel and entities in the field are doing their utmost to resolve the issue as quickly as possible” and that “the fire is not yet resolved due to a lack of effort.”
Regarding casualties, Abel Gomes reported nine individuals affected, with two requiring hospital transport. One was a firefighter with nausea, and the other a civilian experiencing “hypertensive crisis, or anxiety.” The remaining were six firefighters and one civilian all treated on-site for minor issues.
Fire Broke Out on Sunday
The Aljezur fire started shortly after noon on Sunday, with Civil Protection deploying between 12:36 PM and 1:00 PM, a total of 63 personnel, including firefighters, forest guards, and logistics teams, supported by five aircraft and 13 vehicles, including two bulldozers.
In the municipality of Aljezur, in Faro district, where the fire broke out, the situation stabilized as the fire moved towards Lagos, presenting a front “with some activity.”
The fire that ignited today in Bordeira, Algarve, destroyed a second residence in Aljezur and remains uncontrolled, heading towards the municipality of Lagos, according to Civil Protection.
It is reported that the flames destroyed a second home, which was unoccupied.
Aljezur’s Mayor, José Gonçalves, also present at the press conference, confirmed the destruction of the home, explaining that municipal services are “on the ground conducting assessments and checking for other affected homes.”
Commander Abel Gomes stated the fire “likely originated from agricultural activities,” with the investigation to determine the exact causes being conducted by the National Republican Guard.
[News updated at 11:27 AM]
