The municipality of Castelo Branco reported improvements in the situation since the early morning, according to a statement sent at 1:05 PM.
“Thursday morning began calmer, with noted improvements, and the fire burning in the municipality of Castelo Branco since Monday afternoon is being resolved,” the statement read.
The local authority noted that the fight against the fire “progressed favorably overnight,” and currently, no villages are at risk.
“However, the weather conditions remain unstable and could lead to reactivations.
Aerial resources are operating effectively, and teams remain on the ground to consolidate the mop-up operation, prevent reignitions, and ensure the safety of people and property,” the statement continued.
The municipality also announced that some roads remain closed and urged the public to heed the authorities’ instructions and avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas.
Castelo Branco’s municipal services are monitoring water quality to assess any potential impact of ash on water resources and the availability of water supply to the population.
“The municipality of Castelo Branco will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority and on-site protection and relief agents,” the statement added.
This fire entered Castelo Branco from the municipality of Fundão, originating in Arganil, in the district of Coimbra, where it began on the 13th at 5:00 AM.
The fire has also spread to the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Oliveira do Hospital (Coimbra district), Seia (Guarda), and Covilhã (Castelo Branco).
Castelo Branco Council activated the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan late Sunday night.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by numerous large-scale rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Center regions.
The fires have caused three fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some severe. They have also totally or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock ventures and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which brought in two Fire Boss planes to support the firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, over 222,000 hectares have burned in the country by August 20, surpassing the total area burned in all of 2024.
