During a press conference, Abel Gomes, the deputy commander of the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command (CREPC), stated that the flames, fueled by continuous wind, are now moving eastward within the region.
The escalation of the fire was caused by a resurgence in the Feiteira area, which led to four projections on one side of the fire, at a time when firefighting efforts were focused on consolidation and extinguishment.
The official noted that the first projection occurred beyond the burnt perimeter of the fire, followed by four more projections that quickly exceeded the capacity of the pre-positioned firefighting resources.
“We had to reposition the resources, and actions are taking place along the flanks with the intervention of tracked machinery,” he stated.
According to Abel Gomes, the projections have expanded the fire’s perimeter to the east, increasing the affected area from 30% to 40%.
The official acknowledged that some homes are now in the path of the fire, and some residents of Vale da Coelha have been advised to evacuate their homes.
