The fire that started on the 13th was the most significant in terms of mobilizing personnel and resources overnight and continued to be the most prominent incident recorded by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
As of 08:20, ANEPC reported three active fires on its website, those in Arganil and two others that ignited early today in Moimenta and Ervedosa, both in the municipality of Vinhais (Bragança).
In total, there were 27 fires requiring the mobilization of 2,275 personnel, 755 ground units, and six aerial units.
The majority of the fires were in the resolution or conclusion phases.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) today maintained a “maximum,” “very high,” or “high” fire risk in many municipalities in the northern and central interior, as well as in the Algarve.
IPMA forecasts a slight rise in temperature inland
Today, IPMA predicts clear or partly cloudy skies, with more cloud cover and mist or fog formation on the west coast, along with a slight rise in temperatures inland.
Castelo Branco is expected to record the highest temperature at 37 degrees Celsius, followed by Évora at 36 and Beja at 35.
Since July, mainland Portugal has been affected by several large rural fires, chiefly in the Northern and Central regions.
The fires have claimed three lives, including a firefighter, injured several others, some seriously, and destroyed primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural and livestock properties and forested areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving five aerial units to assist in fighting the fires.
According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned nationwide, more than 53,000 of which were in the fire that started in Arganil.
